Immediate effect of vascular occlusion and myofascial release on quadriceps femoris muscle strength: a comparative study

Abstract

Introduction: In the last decade, several studies have discussed the force gain by vascular occlusion (VO). However, physiological responses and their association with other intervention strategies in muscle strength are still scarce. Particularly, those about myofascial release maneuvers (MFR) and their implications on muscle strength. Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of myofascial maneuver and VO on muscle strength performance. Methods: This quasi-experimental comparative study, 30 healthy adults were divided into two groups: occlusion (VO) and myofascial release therapy (MRT). The interventions (VO and MFR) were applied on femoral quadriceps muscle. Force measurements were obtained by means of the isokinetic dynamometer, with two distinct speeds 60º and 120º/s, with a 48h interval, between the two experimental conditions. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA with post hoc Bonferroni test (p<0.05). Results: There was a significant increase in muscle strength in the MFRbetween 60o/s (p <0.05; IC: -21.32 - 264.6) and also 120o/s (p<0.05; IC: -30.12 - 246.4), while in the VO group, there was not significant increase at both speeds. Regarding the peak torque, there were no significant intra and intergroup differences at the pre and post-intervention moments. Our data demonstrated an immediate increase in muscle strength by myofascial maneuver compared to vascular occlusion in healthy adult males. However, no differences were observed between protocols ofvascular occlusion. Conclusion: Further studies are required, especially with individuals who present movement restrictions to elucidate the effect of the maneuver and its possible implications in myofascial tissue and its modifications.