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Antohe BA, Alshana O, Uysal HŞ, Rață M, Iacob GS, Panaet EA. Effects of Myofascial Release Techniques on Joint Range of Motion of Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Sports (Basel) 2024; 12:132. [PMID: 38787001 PMCID: PMC11125680 DOI: 10.3390/sports12050132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Although myofascial release techniques (MRTs) are commonly used to improve athletes' range of motion (ROM), the effectiveness of MRTs may vary depending on the specific method performed. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of MRTs on the ROM performance of athletes. (2) Methods: The electronic databases of Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched to identify relevant articles published up to June 2023. This study utilized the PRISMA guidelines, and four databases were searched. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the PEDro scale, and the certainty of evidence was reported using the GRADE scale. The overall effect size was calculated using the robust variance estimator, and subgroup analyses were conducted using the Hotelling Zhang test. (3) Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. The overall effect size results indicated that the myofascial release intervention had a moderate effect on ROM performance in athletes when compared to the active or passive control groups. (4) Conclusions: Alternative MRTs, such as myofascial trigger point therapy, can further improve the ROM performance of athletes. Gender, duration of intervention, and joint type may have a moderating effect on the effectiveness of MRTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Alexandru Antohe
- Departament of Physical Therapy and Ocupational Therapy, “Vasile Alecsandri” University of Bacău, 600011 Bacău, Romania; (B.A.A.); (E.A.P.)
| | - Osama Alshana
- Department of Physiotherapy, University College of Applied Sciences, Gaza Strip P6160675, Palestine;
| | - Hüseyin Şahin Uysal
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, 15030 Burdur, Turkey
| | - Marinela Rață
- Departament of Physical Therapy and Ocupational Therapy, “Vasile Alecsandri” University of Bacău, 600011 Bacău, Romania; (B.A.A.); (E.A.P.)
| | - George Sebastian Iacob
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iași, 700506 Iași, Romania;
| | - Elena Adelina Panaet
- Departament of Physical Therapy and Ocupational Therapy, “Vasile Alecsandri” University of Bacău, 600011 Bacău, Romania; (B.A.A.); (E.A.P.)
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2
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Martínez-Aranda LM, Sanz-Matesanz M, García-Mantilla ED, González-Fernández FT. Effects of Self-Myofascial Release on Athletes' Physical Performance: A Systematic Review. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2024; 9:20. [PMID: 38249097 PMCID: PMC10801590 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk9010020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Therapists and strength and conditioning specialists use self-myofascial release (SMR) as an intervention tool through foam rollers or massage rollers for soft tissue massage, with the purpose of improving mobility in the muscular fascia. Moreover, the use of SMR by professional and amateur athletes during warm-ups, cool downs, and workouts can have significant effects on their physical performance attributes, such as range of motion (ROM) and strength. The purpose of this study was to analyse the literature pertaining to these types of interventions and their effects found in different physical performance attributes for athletes. A systematic search was carried out using the following databases: PUBMED, ISI Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane, including articles up to September 2023. A total of 25 articles with 517 athletes were studied in depth. SMR seems to have acute positive effects on flexibility and range of motion, without affecting muscle performance during maximal strength and power actions, but favouring recovery perception and decreasing delayed-onset muscle soreness. Some positive effects on agility and very short-range high-speed actions were identified, as well. In conclusion, although there is little evidence of its method of application due to the heterogeneity in that regard, according to our findings, SMR could be used as an intervention to improve athletes' perceptual recovery parameters, in addition to flexibility and range of motion, without negatively affecting muscle performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Manuel Martínez-Aranda
- Physical and Sports Performance Research Centre, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Pablo de Olavide University, 41013 Seville, Spain
- SEJ-680: Science-Based Training (SBT) Research Group, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Pablo de Olavide University, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Manuel Sanz-Matesanz
- Faculty of Sport, Catholic University of Murcia, Guadalupe, 30107 Murcia, Spain; (M.S.-M.); (E.D.G.-M.)
| | | | - Francisco Tomás González-Fernández
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Education and Sport Sciences, Campus of Melilla, University of Granada, 52006 Melilla, Spain;
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Kodama Y, Masuda S, Ohmori T, Kanamaru A, Tanaka M, Sakaguchi T, Nakagawa M. Response to Mechanical Properties and Physiological Challenges of Fascia: Diagnosis and Rehabilitative Therapeutic Intervention for Myofascial System Disorders. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10040474. [PMID: 37106661 PMCID: PMC10135675 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10040474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Damage to the fascia can cause significant performance deficits in high-performance sports and recreational exercise and may contribute to the development of musculoskeletal disorders and persistent potential pain. The fascia is widely distributed from head to toe, encompassing muscles, bones, blood vessels, nerves, and internal organs and comprising various layers of different depths, indicating the complexity of its pathogenesis. It is a connective tissue composed of irregularly arranged collagen fibers, distinctly different from the regularly arranged collagen fibers found in tendons, ligaments, or periosteum, and mechanical changes in the fascia (stiffness or tension) can produce changes in its connective tissue that can cause pain. While these mechanical changes induce inflammation associated with mechanical loading, they are also affected by biochemical influences such as aging, sex hormones, and obesity. Therefore, this paper will review the current state of knowledge on the molecular level response to the mechanical properties of the fascia and its response to other physiological challenges, including mechanical changes, innervation, injury, and aging; imaging techniques available to study the fascial system; and therapeutic interventions targeting fascial tissue in sports medicine. This article aims to summarize contemporary views.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuya Kodama
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama Rosai Hospital, 1-10-25 Midorimachi, Minamiku, Okayama 702-8055, Japan
| | - Shin Masuda
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama Rosai Hospital, 1-10-25 Midorimachi, Minamiku, Okayama 702-8055, Japan
| | - Toshinori Ohmori
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama Rosai Hospital, 1-10-25 Midorimachi, Minamiku, Okayama 702-8055, Japan
| | - Akihiro Kanamaru
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama Rosai Hospital, 1-10-25 Midorimachi, Minamiku, Okayama 702-8055, Japan
| | - Masato Tanaka
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama Rosai Hospital, 1-10-25 Midorimachi, Minamiku, Okayama 702-8055, Japan
| | - Tomoyoshi Sakaguchi
- Department of Central Rehabilitation, Okayama Rosai Hospital, 1-10-25 Midorimachi, Minamiku, Okayama 702-8055, Japan
| | - Masami Nakagawa
- Department of Central Rehabilitation, Okayama Rosai Hospital, 1-10-25 Midorimachi, Minamiku, Okayama 702-8055, Japan
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Gupta U, Sharma A, Rizvi MR, Alqahtani MM, Ahmad F, Kashoo FZ, Miraj M, Asad MR, Uddin S, Ahamed WM, Nanjan S, Hussain SA, Ahmad I. Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Technique versus Static Stretching in Patients with Pronated Dominant Foot: A Comparison in Effectiveness on Flexibility, Foot Posture, Foot Function Index, and Dynamic Balance. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11060785. [PMID: 36981441 PMCID: PMC10048685 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11060785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Pronated foot is a deformity with various degrees of physical impact. Patients with a pronated foot experience issues such as foot pain, ankle pain, heel pain, shin splints, impaired balance, plantar fasciitis, etc. Objective: The study intended to compare the effectiveness of IASTM (instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization) and static stretching on ankle flexibility, foot posture, foot function, and balance in patients with a flexible pronated foot. Methods: Seventy-two participants between the ages of 18–25 years with a flexible pronated foot were included and allocated into three groups: Control, stretching, and IASTM group using single-blinded randomization. Range of motion (ROM) measuring ankle flexibility, foot posture index (FPI), foot function index (FFI), and dynamic balance was measured at baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention. Soft tissue mobilization was applied on to the IASTM group, while the stretching group was directed in static stretching of the gastrocnemius-soleus complex, tibialis anterior, and Achilles tendon in addition to the foot exercises. The control group received only foot exercises for 4 weeks. Results: The result shows the significant improvement of the right dominant foot in ROM plantar flexion, (F = 3.94, p = 0.03), dorsiflexion (F = 3.15, p = 0.05), inversion (F = 8.54, p = 0.001) and eversion (F = 5.93, p = 0.005), FFI (control vs. IASTM, mean difference (MD) = 5.9, p < 0.001), FPI (right foot, control vs. IASTM MD = 0.88, p = 0.004), and in dynamic balance of the right-leg stance (anterior, pre vs. post = 88.55 ± 2.28 vs. 94.65 ± 2.28; anteromedial, pre vs. post = 80.65 ± 2.3 vs. 85.55 ± 2.93; posterior, pre vs. post = 83 ± 3.52 vs. 87 ± 2.99 and lateral, pre vs. post = 73.2 ± 5.02 vs. 78.05 ± 4.29) in the IASTM group. The FFI was increased remarkably in the stretching group as compared to the control group. Conclusions: Myofascial release technique, i.e., IASTM with foot exercises, significantly improves flexibility, foot posture, foot function, and dynamic balance as compared to stretching, making it a choice of treatment for patients with a flexible pronated foot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ujjwal Gupta
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Manav Rachna International Institute and Studies (MRIIRS), Faridabad 121001, India
| | - Ankita Sharma
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Manav Rachna International Institute and Studies (MRIIRS), Faridabad 121001, India
| | - Moattar R. Rizvi
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Manav Rachna International Institute and Studies (MRIIRS), Faridabad 121001, India
| | - Mazen M. Alqahtani
- College of Applied Sciences, Almaarefa University, Riyadh 13713, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Physical Therapy & Health Rehabilitation, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Almajmaah 15431, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (M.M.A.); (F.A.); (I.A.)
| | - Fuzail Ahmad
- College of Applied Sciences, Almaarefa University, Riyadh 13713, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (M.M.A.); (F.A.); (I.A.)
| | - Faizan Z. Kashoo
- Department of Physical Therapy & Health Rehabilitation, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Almajmaah 15431, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Miraj
- Department of Physical Therapy & Health Rehabilitation, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Almajmaah 15431, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad R. Asad
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Almajmaah 15431, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shadab Uddin
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waseem M. Ahamed
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saravanakumar Nanjan
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sayed A. Hussain
- College of Applied Sciences, Almaarefa University, Riyadh 13713, Saudi Arabia
| | - Irshad Ahmad
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (M.M.A.); (F.A.); (I.A.)
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Melton B, Ryan G, Zuege V, Rochani H, Anglin D, Dulla J. Evolution of Physical Training in Police Academies: Comparing Fitness Variables. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11020261. [PMID: 36673629 PMCID: PMC9858962 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11020261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of three different physical training approaches to improving cadets' fitness variables. Retrospective data for male and female land management law enforcement officers attending a 15-week training program at three separate time points were provided for analysis. The time points reflected the three different training approaches, including calisthenic training (CT) = 83, functional fitness training (FT) = 90, and strength training (ST) = 110. Inferential data analysis was used to find which mode of exercise had the greatest impact on body composition, cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, agility, and flexibility. All groups displayed decreases in body fat percentage, with weight loss being more significant within the CT and FT groups, while the ST group increased in body weight. The CT group had the greatest flexibility increases compared to the FT and ST groups. ST training elicited significantly smaller changes in cardiovascular endurance than the FT and CT groups. ST training showed greater improvements in lean mass, while CT and FT showed greater increases in flexibility and endurance. These results suggest that training protocols can increase performance and optimize the abilities to perform job tasks in tactical athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget Melton
- Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology, Water College of Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Gregory Ryan
- Exercise and Sport Science, College of nursing and Health Sciences, Piedmont University, Demorest, GA 30535, USA
| | - Victor Zuege
- Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Brunswick, GA 31524, USA
| | - Haresh Rochani
- Department of Biostatistics, Jing-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA
| | - Derick Anglin
- Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology, Water College of Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA
| | - Joseph Dulla
- Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology, Water College of Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA
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Russo L, Montagnani E, Pietrantuono D, D’Angona F, Fratini T, Di Giminiani R, Palermi S, Ceccarini F, Migliaccio GM, Lupu E, Padulo J. Self-Myofascial Release of the Foot Plantar Surface: The Effects of a Single Exercise Session on the Posterior Muscular Chain Flexibility after One Hour. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:974. [PMID: 36673731 PMCID: PMC9858880 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20020974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of a single exercise session of Self-Myofascial Release (SMR) on the posterior muscular chain flexibility after one hour from the intervention. Thirty-six participants performed SMR using a rigid ball under the surface of both feet. Participants were tested with the Sit and Reach (S&R) test at four different times: before (T0), immediately after (T1), 30 (T2), and 60 (T3) minutes after the SMR intervention. The sample (n = 36) was categorized into three groups: (1) flexible, (2) average, and (3) stiff, based on the flexibility level at T0 (S&R values of >10 cm, >0 but <10 cm and <0 cm, respectively). For the whole sample, we detected significant improvements in the S&R test between the T1, T2, and T3 compared to T0. The stiff group showed a significant (p < 0.05) improvement between T1−T2 and T1−T3. Results were similar between the average group and the whole sample. The flexible group did not show any significant difference (p > 0.05) over time. In conclusion, this investigation demonstrated that an SMR session of both feet was able to increase posterior muscular chain flexibility up to one hour after intervention. Considering that a standard training session generally lasts one hour, our study can help professionals take advantage of SMR effects for the entire training period. Furthermore, our results also demonstrate that physical exercise practitioners should also assess individuals’ flexibility before training, as the SMR procedure used in this work does not seem necessary in flexible individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Russo
- Department of Human Sciences, Università Telematica degli Studi IUL, 50122 Florence, Italy
| | - Eleonora Montagnani
- Department of Sports and Health Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton BN2 4AT, UK
| | - Davide Pietrantuono
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Fabiola D’Angona
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Tommaso Fratini
- Department of Human Sciences, Università Telematica degli Studi IUL, 50122 Florence, Italy
| | - Riccardo Di Giminiani
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Stefano Palermi
- Public Health Department, University of Naples Federico II, 80132 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Ceccarini
- Department of Psychology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi 129188, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Elena Lupu
- Department of Motor Activities, Petroleum Gas University Ploiesti, 100600 Ploiesti, Romania
| | - Johnny Padulo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
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Koźlenia D, Domaradzki J. Acute Effect of Short Intensive Self-Myofascial Release on Jump Performance in Amateur Athletes: A Randomized Cross-Over Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16816. [PMID: 36554697 PMCID: PMC9779576 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Searching for effective methods to maximize physical performance that can be utilized during warm-ups is challenging in modern sports. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a short and intensive self-myofascial release (SI-SMR) on jumps in amateur, collegiate athletes. The study sample consists of 30 subjects with an average age of 21.8 years. The tests conducted included a squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and drop jump (DJ). In the first week, half of the participants performed a standardized warm-up with additional short (15 s per lower limb muscle group) and intensive (20 reps/15 s) SMR and then performed jump tests. The other half performed a standard warm-up. The following week the groups switched interventions. The results revealed a tendency for all jump test parameters (height, force, and power), the reactive strength index, and stiffness to improve with SI-SMR, but the differences were small and insignificant. A dependent t-test for paired samples revealed that only SJ height improvement (+0.96 ± 2.63 cm) reached statistical significance (p = 0.04), but the small ES (ES = 0.14) could have attenuated this result. When a two-way mixed ANOVA was applied, the differences were insignificant. SI-SMR was ineffective in the direct improvement of jump performance. Although SI-SMR had no adverse effects, athletes should focus on specific preparations for sports competitions instead of using an SI-SMR protocol.
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