Self-myofascial release is widely promoted as a way of increasing ROM, strength and conditioning. There are many variations of rolling or actions such as shearing and sliding, but does it matter? Foam rolling mainly involves compressive pressure to the muscle, while in manual massage, there is an additional sliding or shearing forces, i.e. mechanical forces that act
This is the second article concerning fascia from the group around Neil Theise (New York) appearing in a high-ranking journal of the Nature publishing group. In the first paper, published in 2018, they reported their discovery of a loose connective tissue network containing a fluid-filled reticular architecture in the submucosa of the gastrointestinal tract and
Myofascial release had been used to restore altered soft tissue function. There have been arguments whether this manual treatment really affects the tissues’ mechanical properties or affects the neural components of the body. A study by Christine Lohra and IvanMedina-Porqueres tried to clarify this argument by measuring the immediate neuromechanical alterations of myofascial release
A new study by Neil Theise and colleagues from New York University Grossman School of Medicine proposed that our body has networks, comprising collagens, elastin, glycosaminoglycans, and other extracellular matrix components, that wrap through all tissues and organs. The fibrous coverings of nerves and blood vessels create structural continuity beyond organ boundaries. The study was
Static stretching is a popular exercise that improves flexibility. Stretching has been shown to increase joint range of motion (ROM) and reduce joint resistance in young individuals. For older people, static stretching can also improve ROM. Stretching mainly changes stretch tolerance, and thus the effect of static stretching on muscle stiffness may be small for
Vascular aging results in stiffer arteries and vascular endothelial dysfunction, and may have a role in the development of cardiovascular disease. While aerobic exercise is known to significantly reduce large artery compliance, it does not affect arterial stiffness. Stretching has been suggested to reduced arterial stiffness and improved endothelial function. A review study determined whether
Aging decreases joint flexibility and joint range of motion (ROM), which may impair balance and functional ability in the older person leading to an increased risk of falls and reduced quality of life. ROM can be grouped into passive and active ROM. Passive ROM is used to represent joint flexibility and is considered to be
Humans have evolved to have more endurance than power and speed. In contrast to other primates, humans are capable of sustained endurance activities such as trekking and running long distances over extended periods. Only a few other running-adapted mammals, such as dogs, wolves, and horses, are known to be capable of such sustained aerobic capacity.
Persistent inflammation processes can cause fibrosis and stiffness of the connective tissue. This increased stiffness may affect the sliding of the connective tissue layers. Further to this, it may contribute to musculoskeletal pain. Manipulation of the fascial system via manual technique is commonly used for pain management. A study from Brazil and Germany investigate
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease that becomes more prevalent in recent decades. Age, sex, genes, obesity are known to influence knee OA susceptibility. There is also evidence that physical inactivity that may induce OA prevalence. Physical activity for attaining and maintaining optimal knee tissue structure and strength is well documented, particularly by