Investigation of the effects of self-myofascial release combined with static stretching on muscle parameters representing tone, elasticity and stiffness using the MyotonPRO

Abstract

Myofascial trigger points (MTP) are hyper-irritable spots in skeletal muscles that are associated with a hypersensitive palpable nodule in a taut band. The spots are painful on compression and can give rise to characteristic referred pain, referred tenderness and motor dysfunction affecting training and performance in athletes. This study investigated the response of MTPs to self-myofascial release (SMR) and stretching by assessing mechanical properties of the muscle, range of motion (ROM) and pressure pain threshold (PPT). 23 active adult males were randomly assigned to one of the 4 groups; SMR, static stretch, combination group or control. Prior to interventions, participants were examined for MTP at the quadriceps. Measurements of muscle parameters were taken at the MTPs using the MyotonPro. The device applies a brief mechanical tap perpendicular to the skin surface directly above the MTP, producing damped oscillations that measure the muscle parameters. PPT at the MTPs were measured using the pressure algometer. ROM at the knee joint was measured using a goniometer. All measurements were recorded 3 minutes and 48 hours following the intervention. Mixed-Model Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to compared between and within group effects. All treatment groups were effective in improving ROM however, no differences between intervention groups were found. All treatments had no effects on the muscle tension, elasticity, stiffness and PPT. A single session of treatment might not be sufficient in eliciting changes in the muscle parameters. Future studies should consider the inclusion of multiple treatment sessions.