The Effects of the Suboccipital Release Technique on the Autonomic Nervous System in Healthy Subjects: a Pilot Study

Abstract

Introduction: Neck pain and dysfunction are often the results of structural imbalances between the thoracic and cervical spine, including the suboccipital region. Myodural bridges between the suboccipital musculature, cervical fascia, and central nervous system present an essential consideration for the suboccipital release technique (SRT). Previous studies demonstrated local and systemic effects following SRT. Systemic effects resulting from SRT are likely due to the somatic influence on the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Previous research has suggested this influence. No prior studies have investigated the direct effect of SRT on the ANS in real-time. The ANS can be indirectly measured by pupil diameter.Purpose: To determine the immediate and short-term effect of the suboccipital release on the ANS system in a subgroup of healthy individuals.Methods: Twenty-seven subjects were screened for red flags and factors which may bias the ANS. The subjects underwent baseline pupillometry measurement, administration of SRT, and subsequent pupillometry measurement. Subjects also completed a Global Rate of Change Scale (GROC) following testing. Results:The mean pre-pupil diameter of the left eye did not differ significantly between Post1 and Post2 measures (F= 0.942, p=0.395). For the right pupil assessment, the non-parametric Friedman's test of differences among repeated measures was conducted and rendered a Chi-square value of 1.407, which was non-significant, p=0.495. Five subjects reported feeling unchanged after the measurement phase (18.5%). Nine subjects reported a "1" score of change (33.3%, seven subjects reported a "2" score of change (25.9%), and 6 subjects reported a "3" score of change (22.25%). The mean score was 1.5185 (SD=1.05 and a SE=0.202). Conclusion:This study's results demonstrate that the SRT did not have a significant immediate short-term systemic effect on the ANS. There was an overall perception of our subjects that something beneficial changed based on the GROC.