The Influence of Self-Myofascial Release on Muscle Flexibility in Long-Distance Runners

During long-distance running, athletes are exposed to repetitive loads. Myofascial structures are liable to long-term work, which may cause cumulating tension within them. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute effect of self-myofascial release on muscle flexibility in long-distance runners. The study comprised 62 long-distance, recreationally running participants between the age of 20 and 45 years. The runners were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 (n = 32), in which subjects applied the self-myofascial release technique between baseline and the second measurement of muscle flexibility, and Group 2 (n = 30), without any intervention. The self-myofascial release technique was performed according to standardized foam rolling. Assessment of muscle flexibility was conducted according to Chaitow’s proposal. After application of the self-myofascial release technique, higher values were noted for the measurements of the following muscles: piriformis, tensor fasciae latae muscles and adductor muscles. Within the iliopsoas and rectus femoris muscles, lower values were observed in the second measurement. These changes were statistically significant (p < 0.05) within the majority of muscles. All these outcomes indicate improvement related to larger muscle flexibility and also, an increase in range of motion. In the control group (Group 2), significant improvement was observed only in measurements for the iliopsoas muscles. The single application of self-myofascial release techniques with foam rollers may significantly improve muscle flexibility in long-distance runners. Based on these results, the authors recommend the self-myofascial release technique with foam rollers be incorporated in the daily training routine of long-distance runners, as well as athletes of other sport disciplines.

MYOFASCIAL RELEASE AND SUPERFICIAL BACKLINE STRETCHING ON HAMSTRING STRAIN IN CRICKET PLAYERS: AN INTERVENTIONAL STUDY

Background: Hamstring Strain is common among athletes which lead to development of injury. Superficial Backline stretching for improving range of motion and flexibility. Using Tennis ball is a form of self-myofascial release results in increasing range of motion. Literature lacks studies done on self- myofascial release and superficial backline stretching. Hence my intention towards this study in comparison to find out the effect of Self Myofascial Release using tennis ball and superficial backline stretching on hamstring strain in cricket players. Methodology: A total of 24 subjects who were between the age group of 15 -19 years were conveniently allocated based on the inclusion criteria. Subjects received self-myofascial release using tennis ball 60 sec with 3-4 repetitions and 1 min interval of rest between sessions and superficial backline stretching with different poses for 2-3 repetitions and then compared FMS score of all subjects pre and post intervention after giving the superficial backline stretches and myofascial release to all the subjects. Outcome measure: Functional movement screen (FMS) Results: The result shows that there is a significant difference in pre and post Score of FMS, pre-FMS score is 15.9167±2.60295 and post score increased to 19.2500±1.59483which shows thatthere is statistical and clinical difference between the pre and post intervention. Functional movement is measured as the primary outcome measure.There is an average improvement of 3.333 with t value 12.487 and p <0.05. Conclusion: The aim of the study was to compare and find out the effect of Self Myofascial Release using tennis ball and superficial backline stretching on hamstring strain in cricket players., the result showed that there is statistically significant self-myofascial release using tennis ball and superficial backline stretching.

Scapula Dyskinesis

Scapular dyskinesis is any alteration of its static position or kinematics during movements in the shoulder joint. The correct scapula orientation is associated with the tone of the muscles attached to it. The prevalence of scapular dyskinesis is high among patients with subacromial impingement syndrome, partial rotator cuff tears, shoulder joint instability and SLAP injuries. Scapular dyskinesis can be caused by a whole range of factors, including upper cross syndrome and postural adaptations predisposing to it, neurological disorders. However, instrumental diagnosis of scapular dyskinesis is difficult, which makes the use of clinical tests the main method of its detection. In this lecture, the etiology of scapular dyskinesis, classification, diagnostic tests and treatment methods are analyzed in detail. The detection of scapular dyskinesis and its type determination in patients with shoulder joint pathologies allows us to form an optimal rehabilitation therapy protocol, including techniques of myofascial release, passive and active stretching of spasmodic and training of weak muscle groups aimed at correcting postural disorders, pathology of the scapulohumeral rhythm, restoration of the glenohumeral joint normal biomechanics.

Effect of Peroneus Longus Muscle Release on Abductor Hallucis Muscle Activity and Medial Longitudinal Arch before Toe-Tap Exercise in Participants with Flexible Pes Planus

Pes planus is a medical condition of the foot wherein there is a flattening or lowering of the medial longitudinal arch. The abductor hallucis muscle starts at the heel bone and attaches to the medial side of the first toe. Whenever it contracts, it plays a key role in elevating the medial longitudinal arch. Hence, the abductor hallucis muscle should be strong enough to control the depression on the medial longitudinal arch. The peroneus longus muscle plantarflexes the ankle and everts the ankle and subtalar joint. If this muscle contracts more than the abductor hallucis muscle does, the medial longitudinal arch of the foot is depressed. This study aimed to investigate the effect of myofascial release of the peroneus longus before performing the toe-tap exercise for strengthening the abductor hallucis muscle in participants with flexible pes planus. This cross-over study included 16 volunteers with flexible pes planus. The participants performed a toe-tap exercise before and after the myofascial release of the peroneus longus. During the toe-tap exercise, the muscle activity of the abductor hallucis and peroneus longus were measured using a Delsys Trigno Wireless Electromyography System. The angle of the medial longitudinal arch was measured using Image J software. Photos in the sagittal plane were used. The peroneus longus activity and medial longitudinal arch angles were significantly decreased. On the other hand, the activity of the abductor hallucis significantly increased after the myofascial release of the peroneus longus before performing the toe-tap exercise (p < 0.05). Individuals with flexible pes planus should be encouraged to perform myofascial release of the peroneus longus before the toe-tap exercise to improve the abductor hallucis activity and to elevate the medial longitudinal arch.

Physical Therapy for Muscle Tension Dysphonia with Cervicalgia

Objectives This study investigated the effectiveness of a specialized manual physical therapy (PT) program at improving voice among patients diagnosed with concomitant muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) and cervicalgia at a tertiary care voice center. Materials and Methods Cervicalgia was determined by palpation of the anterior neck. Both voice therapy (VT) and PT was recommended for all patients diagnosed with MTD and cervicalgia. PT included full-body manual physical therapy with myofascial release. Patients underwent: 1) VT alone, 2) concurrent PT and VT (PT with VT), 3) PT alone, 4) VT, but did not have PT ordered by treating clinician (VT without PT order) or 5) VT followed by PT (VT then PT). The pairwise difference in post–Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) controlling for baseline variables was calculated with a linear regression model. Results 178 patients met criteria. All groups showed improvement with treatment. The covariate-adjusted differences in mean post–VHI-10 improvement comparing the VT alone group as a reference were as follows: PT with VT 9.95 (95% confidence interval 7.70, 12.20); PT alone 8.31 (6.16, 10.45); VT without PT order 8.51 (5.55, 11.47); VT then PT 5.47 (2.51, 8.42). Conclusion Among patients diagnosed with MTD with cervicalgia, treatment with a specialized PT program was associated with improvement in VHI-10 scores regardless of whether they had VT. While VT is the standard of care for MTD, PT may also offer benefit for MTD patients with cervicalgia.

Myofascial Tissue and Depression

Background The myofascial system plays a fundamental role in the mechanics of the body, in body tension regulation and the etiology of pathological states like chronic pain. Moreover, it contains contractile elements and preliminary evidence suggests that its properties are linked to psychological factors. The aim of the present research was to investigate characteristics of the myofascial tissue in patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and to examine whether the state of the myofascial tissue causally affects pathopsychological processes in MDD. Methods In Study 1, stiffness and elasticity of the myofascial tissue of 40 inpatients suffering from MDD measured with a tissue compliance meter were compared with those of 40 matched never-depressed participants. In Study 2, 69 MDD patients were randomly assigned to single-session self-myofascial release intervention (SMRI) or a placebo intervention. Effects on memory bias and affect were investigated. Results Results showed that MDD patients displayed heightened stiffness and reduced elasticity of the myofascial tissue and that patients in the SMRI group showed a reduced negative memory bias and more positive affect compared to patients in the placebo condition. Conclusions The preliminary results of our studies indicate that the myofascial tissue might be part of a dysfunctional body-mind dynamic that maintains MDD.

Effectiveness of Myofascial Release vs High Frequency TENS for Pain Relief and Functional Improvement in College Students with Trapezius Myalgia: A Comparative Study

Background: Trapezius Myalgia is characterized by pain in the trapezius muscle. The patient suffering from myalgia usually complaints of pain, stiffness and tightness of the upper trapezius muscle. Acute or chronic neck-shoulder pain is the hallmark of this condition. The pain in the muscle usually lasts for few days or it can be even longer. The presence of spasm in upper trapezius muscle is shown by neck pain in the back of the neck and between the bases of the neck and the shoulder. This protocol has been created that describes the design of experimental study to evaluate and compare the effect of Myofascial Release (MFR) versus High-Frequency TENS for pain relief and functional improvement in subjects with Trapezius Myalgia. Methods: The participants (n=45) will be recruited in the study suffering from Trapezius Myalgia and meeting the inclusion criteria. Two groups will be formed such that group A will be treated with Myofascial Release technique and group B will be treated with High Frequency TENS modality. The protocol will cover 4 weeks of treatment. Regular assessment will be carried out on 1st and 4th week of the rehabilitation period. During the rehabilitation period, we will evaluate pain status and functional improvement and range of motion of the neck in the subject at regular intervals. Our outcome measures will be – Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Discussion: The efficacy of the intervention will be evaluated by analyzing pain relief using Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and functional improvement by using Neck Disability Index (NDI). The result of the study will significantly provide affirmation on using these modalities for treating myalgia patients.

Efficacy of Myofascial Release on Pain and Pulmonary Function during First Phase of Cardiac Rehabilitation - An Evidence Based Study

Background: Cardiovascular disease includes disease of heart and blood vessels. It is most common causes of mortality around the globe as well as in India.[1],[2] Cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention programs aim to improve all lifestyle habits, quality of life and physical and psychological function. However, surgical procedures like coronary artery bypass grafting have some complications. They may affect different systems but most frequent Complications are pulmonary complications. As a result of Surgical trauma in highly vascularised and innervated pleura and chest wall, severe pain after sternotomy occurs. which will cause weakens the respiratory muscles, reduces chest expansion, glenohumeral joint and spine mobility, as well as lessen expectoration of secretions. Purpose: To provide an overview of current evidence with respect to: Effect of manual therapy (OMT, MFR) in post sternotomy acute and chronic pain. Immediate effect of manual therapy pulmonary system. Effect of manual therapy functional recovery and length of hospital stay, reduce analgesia consumption, improve ROM. Effect of MFR on pulmonary function. Methodology: ➢ Search engines used were: • Google scholar • PubMed • PEDro • ScienceDirect • ResearchGate ➢ Key words used were: • Sternotomy • Post sternotomy pain • Pulmonary function • Myofascial release • OMT • Respiratory function and sternotomy Total 10 studies were selected. Results: Evidences were reviewed and analysis was done. Articles shows that MFR reduce post-operative pain, improve respiratory function, reduces length of stay and dose of analgesia consumption. Conclusion: Based on evidences, it is reviewed that MFR and manual therapy is beneficial in seance of reducing pain and improving pulmonary function in post sternotomy patients. Keywords: Sternotomy, Post sternotomy pain, Pulmonary function, Myofascial release, OMT, Respiratory function and sternotomy.