Mechanical deformation of posterior thoracolumbar fascia after myofascial release in healthy men: A study of dynamic ultrasound imaging

Ka-Kit Wong; Huei-Ming Chai; Yu-Jen Chen; Chung-Li Wang; Yio-Wha Shau; Shwu-Fen Wang

doi:10.1016/j.math.2016.10.011

Mechanical deformation of posterior thoracolumbar fascia after myofascial release in healthy men: A study of dynamic ultrasound imaging

Musculoskelet Sci Pract. 2017 Feb:27:124-130. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2016.10.011. Epub 2016 Oct 25.

Authors

Ka-Kit Wong¹, Huei-Ming Chai², Yu-Jen Chen², Chung-Li Wang³, Yio-Wha Shau⁴, Shwu-Fen Wang⁵

Affiliations

¹ National Taiwan University, College of Medicine, School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau, Macau.
² National Taiwan University, College of Medicine, School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; National Taiwan University Hospital, Center of Physical Therapy, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
³ National Taiwan University Hospital, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
⁴ Industrial Technology Research Institute, Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
⁵ National Taiwan University, College of Medicine, School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC. Electronic address: sfwang@ntu.edu.tw.

PMID: 27847243
DOI: 10.1016/j.math.2016.10.011

Abstract

Background: Myofascial release (MR) on the posterior thoracolumbar fascia (PLF) is one of the manual techniques aim to restore the normal length and tension of restricted fasciae and muscles.

Objectives: The present study aimed to quantify the immediate effects of MR on fascial properties of the PLF in healthy men.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Method: Participants (N = 10, aged 22.8 ± 2.0 years) performed a press-down to maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) in the prone position. Deformation of the PLF was measured using an ultrasonographic apparatus. Force output was simultaneously measured. The stiffness index and hysteresis index were then represented by the slope of the loading curve, and the percentage of the area within the loading-unloading curve. One-way ANCOVA was used to compare differences in the stiffness index or hysteresis index of the PLF before and after MR. Two-way repeated ANOVA was used to compare deformation of the PLF or force output after MR.

Results: The primary findings included a decrease (before: 24.1 ± 8.3 vs. after: 18.9 ± 5.3 N/mm; mean difference, -5.2 ± 4.9 N/mm, p = 0.002 < 0.05) in the stiffness index of the PLF and a greater difference in deformation of the PLF between 50% and 100% MVC (before: Def_50% = 6.5 ± 1.8 mm and Def_100% = 9.8 ± 1.9 mm vs. after: Def_50% = 6.4 ± 2.5 mm and Def_100% = 10.2 ± 2.4 mm; p = 0.037 < 0.05, power = 58.5%).

Conclusion: After MR, stiffness of the PLF decreased in healthy men.

Keywords: Latissimus dorsi; Myofascial release; Thoracolumbar fascia; Ultrasonography.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adult
Biomechanical Phenomena / physiology*
Cross-Sectional Studies
Fascia / diagnostic imaging*
Fascia / physiology*
Healthy Volunteers
Humans
Male
Manipulation, Orthopedic*
Muscle Contraction / physiology*
Thoracic Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging*
Thoracic Vertebrae / physiology*
Ultrasonography
Young Adult