Delving Into the Effects of Myofascial Release on Balance

A recent study has taken a deep dive into the effects of myofascial release maneuvers, specifically targeting the lower limb muscle chains. This study aimed to uncover the immediate impact of these maneuvers on the postural sway in healthy men. The study was published in the Jan 2021 issue of Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies

The Setup: A Detailed Investigation

In this study from Spain, 63 healthy men, with an average age of around 27 years, participated. They were randomly assigned to one of seven groups, each with nine members. These groups underwent myofascial release on various lower limb muscle chains – including the anterior, posterior, medial, lateral chains, a combination of anterior/posterior, and medial/lateral – or received a placebo intervention.

An important aspect of this study was the careful monitoring of the skin pressure during the three-minute myofascial release, ensuring it remained within a comfortable range for the participants. Balance was analyzed using posturography, measuring both the elliptical area and the average velocity of the center-of-pressure displacement. These measurements were conducted before and immediately after the intervention, with participants standing on one leg and their eyes closed, providing a challenging test of balance.

The Results: Unexpected and Enlightening

The study’s findings were somewhat surprising. The analysis showed no significant interaction between the type of intervention (myofascial release or placebo) and the time in relation to postural sway. This lack of significant difference was consistent across all groups.

Interestingly, there was a noticeable improvement in balance post-intervention, as evidenced by the decreased elliptical area and average velocity. However, this improvement was not unique to the myofascial release. It was also observed in the placebo group, suggesting that the effect might not be specifically attributed to the myofascial release technique.

Conclusions: Rethinking the Role of Myofascial Release

The conclusion drawn from this study is quite revealing. Despite the popularity of myofascial release in therapeutic and wellness circles, the study indicates that for immediate improvements in postural balance, the application of myofascial release to the lower limb muscle chains does not have a distinct effect. The improvements noted were akin to those achieved through a superficial massage.

This finding is significant for practitioners in physical therapy and related fields. It suggests that while myofascial release might have its benefits, its effectiveness in instantly enhancing postural balance, particularly in healthy men, is comparable to that of a basic massage. This discovery calls for a reassessment of how and why myofascial release is used, directing attention toward evidence-based practices in physical therapy.