A pilot study of the effects of suboccipital fascial release on cortisol levels in workers in the clothing industry - randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION

Repetitive and time sensitive demands of clothing workers has been associated with higher salivary cortisol levels that may reflect the stress experienced by the worker.

OBJECTIVE

This trial evaluates if suboccipital fascial release (SFR) is associated with reduced salivary cortisol levels.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trial with 40 workers, divided into: untreated group (UG, n = 15) and treated group (TG, n = 25). Both were removed from the work environment. The TG received the above technique and the UG remained lying at rest, both for five minutes. Salivary cortisol levels were measured by a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Statistical analysis of data distribution, intragroup and intergroups, were performed with α adjusted to 0.05.

RESULTS

Pre / post intragroup analyses showed significant differences in cortisol levels in both groups, as well as intergroup analyses with lower values in favor of TG (p = 0.014).

CONCLUSION

The reduction in salivary cortisol levels in TG suggests that SFR may be more effective than rest in reducing stress. Future studies with increased experimental rigor are necessary to confirm this conclusion.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

REBEC - RBR - 56yk9m.