This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the immediate effects of two self-myofascial release techniques-suboccipital muscle inhibition and thoracolumbal fascia inhibition-on hamstring flexibility, spinal range of motion, and balance in healthy adults. A total of 75 participants with hamstring tightness were randomly assigned to one of three groups: suboccipital inhibition, thoracolumbal inhibition, or control. All participants performed hamstring stretching, and the intervention groups received one of the inhibition techniques immediately after. Outcomes were measured at baseline and within 30 minutes post-intervention. The study found that both techniques led to significant improvements in hamstring flexibility and spinal mobility, with region-specific benefits. The thoracolumbal technique was more effective for trunk and hamstring flexibility, while the suboccipital technique provided greater cervical mobility gains. Balance improvements were limited. These findings support the use of targeted myofascial interventions in clinical practice.
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Change in Cervical Range of Motion (degrees) from Baseline to Post-Intervention
Timeframe: Baseline and immediately (within 30 minutes) post-intervention
Change in Finger-to-Floor Distance from Baseline to Post-Intervention
Timeframe: Baseline and immediately (within 30 minutes) post-intervention
Change in Y Balance Test from Baseline to Post-Intervention
Timeframe: Baseline and immediately (within 30 minutes) post-intervention
Change in Active Knee Extension Angle (degrees) from Baseline to Post-Intervention
Timeframe: Baseline and immediately (within 30 minutes) post-intervention
Change in The Stork Balance Test from Baseline to Post-Intervention
Timeframe: Baseline and immediately (within 30 minutes) post-intervention
Change in Lumbal Range of Motion (degrees) from Baseline to Post-Intervention
Timeframe: Baseline and immediately (within 30 minutes) post-intervention