Immediate effects of diaphragmatic myofascial release on the physical and functional outcomes in sedentary women: A randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Débora Fortes Marizeiro, Ana Carolina Lins Florêncio, Ana Carla Lima Nunes, Nataly Gurgel Campos, Pedro Olavo de Paula Lima

Journal: Journal of bodywork and movement therapies 2019;22(4):924-929

PMID: 30368336

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Although diaphragmatic myofascial release techniques are widely used in clinical practice, few studies have evaluated the simultaneous acute effects of these techniques on the respiratory and musculoskeletal systems.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the immediate effects of diaphragmatic myofascial release in sedentary women on the posterior chain muscle flexibility; lumbar spine range of motion; respiratory muscle strength; and chest wall mobility.

DESIGN

A randomized placebo-controlled trial with concealed allocation, intention-to-treat analysis, and blinding of assessors and participants.

PARTICIPANTS

Seventy-five sedentary women aged between 18 and 35 years.

INTERVENTION

The sample was randomly allocated into one of two groups; the experimental group received two diaphragmatic myofascial release techniques in a single session, and the control group received two placebo techniques following the same regimen.

OUTCOMES MEASURES

The primary outcome was chest wall mobility, which was analyzed using cirtometry. The secondary outcomes were flexibility, lumbar spine range of motion, and respiratory muscle strength. Outcomes were measured before and immediately after treatment.

RESULTS

The manual diaphragm release techniques significantly improved chest wall mobility immediately after intervention, with a between-group difference of 0.61 cm (95% CI, 0.12-1.1) for the axillary region, 0.49 cm (95% CI, 0.03-0.94) for the xiphoid region, and 1.44 (95% CI, 0.88-2.00) for the basal region. The techniques also significantly improved the posterior chain muscle flexibility, with a between-group difference of 5.80 cm (95% CI, 1.69-9.90). All movements except flexion of the lumbar spine significantly increased. The effects on respiratory muscle strength were non-significant.

CONCLUSION

The diaphragmatic myofascial release techniques improve chest wall mobility, posterior chain muscle flexibility, and some movements of the lumbar spine in sedentary women. These techniques could be considered in the management of people with reduced chest wall and lumbar mobility.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT03065283.

Address: Department of Physical Therapy, Fortaleza, Ceará, CE, Brazil. Electronic address: [email protected].; Department of Physical Therapy, Fortaleza, Ceará, CE, Brazil. Electronic address: [email protected].; Department of Physical Therapy, Fortaleza, Ceará, CE, Brazil. Electronic address: [email protected].; Department of Physical Therapy, Fortaleza, Ceará, CE, Brazil. Electronic address: [email protected].; Department of Physical Therapy, Fortaleza, Ceará, CE, Brazil. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2017.10.008

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MeSH Terms: Adolescent, Adult, Diaphragm, Female, Humans, Lumbosacral Region, Muscle Strength, Range of Motion, Articular, Sedentary Behavior, Therapy, Soft Tissue, Thoracic Wall, Trigger Points, Young Adult