Context: Restricted dorsiflexion (DF) at the ankle joint can cause acute and
chronic injuries at both the ankle and knee, such as tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, ankle
sprains, patellar femoral pain symptoms, and anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Potential
causes for DF to be limited include soft tissue adhesions, muscle tightness, and muscle
spasm. Myofascial release techniques have been utilized to increase range of motion,
however, there is limited evidence on compressive myofascial release technique.
Objective: To determine the effects of compressive myofascial release on closed chain
ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM).
Design: Randomized control trial.
Setting:
Athletic training room Patients or Other Participants: Twenty-three physically active
participants (40 limbs), age: 20±1.5 years old, weight: 71.89±13.28kg, height:
162.56±10.16cm, with less than 30 (27.49±2.3) degrees of dorsiflexion.
Interventions:
Participants’ closed chain ROM was measured in both a standing position keeping the
measurement leg straight, and half kneeling with the measurement leg bent to start at 90
degrees. An average of three trials was recorded. Legs with less than 30 degrees of DF
and Silfverskiold test indication of soft tissue restriction were enrolled in the study.
Qualifying participants’ limb(s) were randomly assigned to one of two groups;
compressive myofascial release or control. The compressive myofascial release group
received one five minute treatment to the triceps surae, the control group sat for five
minutes before measurements were retaken.
Main Outcome Measures: Standing and
kneeling ankle DF was measured before (Baseline) and immediately post (ImmPost)
intervention was applied to the triceps surae as well as one week post (1WkPost)
intervention.
Statistical Analysis: Four repeated measures ANCOVAs were run to
compare ankle DF mobility between the two groups. The covariate for both ANCOVAs
was the baseline DF value.
Results Significance was found between groups immediately
post (F2,37=14.72, p=0.001, effect size=0.67, CI=1.31 to 0.04) but no significant
difference between groups 1-week post-treatment (F2,37=2.58, p=0.12). Results for the
kneeling condition revealed a significant difference between groups immediately
(F2,37=4.65, p=0.04, effect size=0.32, CI: 1.00 to -0.25), but no significant differences
between groups 1-week post-treatment (F2,37=3.43, p=0.61).
Conclusions: Compressive
myofascial release significantly increases ankle dorsiflexion acutely after a single
treatment, in participants with DF range of motion deficits. These results may suggest
that a one-time intervention increased ROM, but the gains did not remain one week later.
Clinicians should consider adding compressive myofascial release in rehabilitation
protocols for athletes with DF deficits, but other rehabilitation techniques will need to be
used to maintain ROM gains.
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