The effect of atlanto-occipital manipulation on neck and shoulder proprioception and range of motion: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Long-term neck pain is associated to maladaptive neuroplastic alterations in the brain, that affect head and neck proprioception. The One to Zero (OTZ) tension technique aims to correct dysfunction between the occiput (C0) and first cervical vertebrae (C1). Due to the physiological location of the adjustment, and deep sensorimotor connections of the cervical spine, the treatment could have positive effect on shoulder range of motion, along with head and neck proprioception. Participants with atlanto-occipital dysfunction were randomly arranged into a control group (n=33) or treatment group (n=32). The rotation and joint position sense of the head and neck were measured using a Cervical Range of Motion (CROM™) device at baseline and following treatment or control period (2 to 3 weeks). Statistical results showed that shoulder range of motion, neck rotation and head joint position sense significantly improved.