Effect of the myofascial maneuver on gastrocnemius lateral stiffness in healthy individuals assessed by elastography: a quasi-experimental controlled study

Abstract

Introduction: In the context of manual therapies, interventions in the fascial structure have been widely discussed in the literature, especially in the fibrous adhesions of the components of the musculoskeletal system. Fascial restrictions may lead to decreased soft tissue extensibility and joint range of motion. Despite the wide use of myofascial manipulation techniques, there is a scarcity in the literature of investigations on the measurement of the effects caused by myofascial techniques in the most diverse dysfunctions. In this context, dynamic elastography can provide information about myofascial tissue tension and its possible restrictions. Objective: To analyze, through elastography, the possible modifications of the modulus of elasticity (E) of the calf fascial tissue in healthy individuals submitted to myofascial maneuver of the posterior chain. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was performed in 25 individuals. Participants were submitted to a myofascial maneuver of the triceps sural in the lower left limb. E measures and ankle joint photogoniometry were performed before and after the intervention in the lateral gastrocnemius muscle. The contralateral lower limb to the intervention was eligible as a control. Data were submitted to statistical treatment, with sample characterization and sociodemographic data. The variable of interest (fascial tension) was analyzed using the Manny-Whitney test with interaction between the groups (experimental and control) and the condition (pre and post manipulation). For the data regarding the photogoniometry the T test was applied. The level of significance was 95%. Results: There was no main effect for any fascial segment between the pre and post maneuver moments in the leg of the experimental group analyzed by the elastography. Conclusion: The present study, based on previous studies, demonstrated that ultrasound with the elastography technique, SSI mode can be an important tool to detect changes in the degree of tissue tension, however our results did not demonstrate statistical significance, post myofascial release. This fact can be explained that in this experiment the individuals were healthy and presented no osteomioarticular restriction. Therefore, the population of interest in this study did not show the presence of stiffness in the fascial segment analyzed. In this way, new investigations are suggested, especially with individuals who present significant fascial restrictions to elucidate the maneuver effect and its modifications in the tissue.