Comparison of the Effectiveness of Different Myofascial Release Techniques for the Pectoralis Minor Muscle

Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

Status: Completed

Conditions: Forward Scapular Posture; Mobility Limitation; Muscle Shortness; Rounded Shoulder Posture; Pectoralis Minor Muscle Tension

Treatments: Other: Myofascial Release; Other: Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization; Other: Self Myofascial Release

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT05429164

IstanbulUC-2022

Details and patient eligibility

About

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of self-myofascial release, myofascial release with a physiotherapist and instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) techniques for the pectoralis minor muscle on pectoralis minor muscle length, rounded shoulder posture, glenohumeral joint total rotation range of motion (ROM) and skin temperature in asymptomatic individuals.

Full description

In the literature, the effects of myofascial release and instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) applications on individuals with pectoralis minor muscle are investigated, but the available evidence is insufficient. In a study conducted in asymptomatic individuals, self-myofascial release was found to be more effective than placebo application in increasing glenohumeral flexion joint range of motion (ROM), improving pectoralis minor length and advanced scapular posture. However, there was one study comparing the short-term effectiveness of the self-myofascial release method and IASTM methods on pectoralis minor length, glenohumeral total arch movement and skin temperature in individuals with short pectoralis minor, and the results of both applications were found to be similar. Despite these studies in the current literature, the amount of evidence examining the effectiveness of myofascial release technique performed under the guidance of a physiotherapist in individuals with short pectoralis minor is insufficient. However, the number of studies comparing the immediate and short-term effects of different myofascial release methods on the pectoralis minor muscle lengthening is few. Given the limited evidence available, different myofascial release methods may produce different short-term responses on the pectoralis minor muscle, with different results on muscle length, scapular position, glenohumeral total arch motion, and superficial skin temperature. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of 3 different myofascial release techniques on pectoralis minor muscle length, rounded shoulder posture, glenohumeral joint total rotation ROM and skin temperature in asymptomatic individuals.

Enrollment: 39 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 35 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• between the ages of 18-35
• Presence of pectoralis minor shortness
• Not having any upper extremity injury in the last 6 months

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of upper extremity surgery in the last 12 months
• Presence of neurological disorder in the upper extremity
• Any sensory problems or open wounds around the shoulder

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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39 participants in 3 patient groups

Self Myofascial Release

Active Comparator group

Description:

Self Myofascial Release only

Treatment:

Other: Self Myofascial Release

Myofascial Release

Active Comparator group

Description:

Myofascial Release with Physical Therapist Only

Treatment:

Other: Myofascial Release

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization

Active Comparator group

Description:

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Only

Treatment:

Other: Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization