Immediate effect of different application times of the myofascial maneuver on quadriceps femoris muscle strength: a controlled and randomized experimental study

Abstract

Introduction: Regarding to manual therapies, much has been discussed about the myofascial release (MFR).One of the main goals of this manual therapy technique is to restore the tissue length and elasticity. Studies suggest that the muscle fascia is involved in the body segments transmission force. However, to date, there is no available study that has investigated the effects of MFR on muscle strength. Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of MFR on the quadriceps femoris muscle strength after different times of application, in healthy subjects. Methods: In this randomized experimental study, 52 men aged 26,88 ± 5,79 (mean ± SD) were divided into three groups (3min, 5min and placebo). All subjects underwent through quadriceps femoris muscle strength evaluation in two conditions: pre and post intervention, using isokinetic dynamometer - Biodex System 4 Pro, at speed 60°/s and 120°/s. The MFR was applied to the anterior surface of the thigh for 3 min or 5 min, depending on the experimental assignments of groups. For the placebo group a 3 min light non-therapeutic gel was applied. The isokinetic variables analyzed were: peak torque, total work and average power. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was performed to verify the possible interactions and the main effect between groups, moments (pre and post), speeds (60°/s and 120°/s) and dependent peak torque variables, total work and average power. The level of significance was greater than or equal to 95% (p≤0.05). Results: Our findings suggest a main effect and interaction between the moment factors (pre and post intervention) and speeds (60°/s and 120°/s) for total work and mean power (p<0.01). No significant differences were found in the other analyzed variables. Conclusion: In spite of the interaction between the moments (60°/s and 120°/s), it was not possible to determine the main effect of MFR on peak torque, total work and average power in quadriceps femoris at any of the proposed application times.