Effect of the Suboccipital Inhibition Technique on Balance Changes

Postural balance is an essential capacity for functional autonomy and the performance of activities of daily living, relying on the continuous integration of visual, vestibular, and somatosensory information. Within this system, the upper cervical region plays a particularly important role, as it contributes to the orientation of the head in space and to the coordination between the head, eyes, and trunk. Due to their deep location between the occiput, atlas, and axis, the suboccipital muscles have a high proprioceptive significance and are frequently associated with cervical position control and sensorimotor regulation. Changes in muscle tension, stiffness, or dysfunction in this region may alter the quality of afferent information transmitted to the central nervous system, potentially interfering with postural stability, head position awareness, body sway, and center of pressure control. In this context, the suboccipital inhibition technique is used in osteopathic practice as a manual intervention aimed at reducing myofascial tension, promoting relaxation of the upper cervical musculature, and potentially normalizing proprioceptive input.

Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy individuals (defined by the absence of the exclusion criteria listed below) * Aged between 18 and 35 years * Signed informed consent form Exclusion Criteria: * Recent history of falls * History of spinal or foot surgery * Cervical fractures * Known postural instability * Suspected neurovascular compromise * Neurological deficits * Neurological or vestibular disorders * Use of medication or substances that may affect the nervous system * Osteopathy students from the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th academic years