Effectiveness of Myofascial Release Therapies on Physical Performance Measurements

A Systematic Review

Mauntel, Timothy C. MA, ATC, CES, PES
Clark, Michael A. DPT, MS, CES, PES
Padua, Darin A. PhD, ATC

Mr Mauntel and Dr Padua are from the Department of Exercise and Sport Science, Sports Medicine Research Laboratory, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and Dr Clark is from Fusionetics, Atlanta, Georgia.

The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.

Address correspondence to Timothy C. Mauntel, MA, ATC, CES, PES, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, Sports Medicine Research Laboratory, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 032 Fetzer Hall, CB #8700, Chapel Hill, NC 27599; e-mail: [email protected].

Received September 05, 2013

Accepted April 23, 2014

Athletic Training & Sports Health Care 6(4):p 189-196, July 01, 2014. | DOI: 10.3928/19425864-20140717-02

The muscular and skeletal systems work interdependently to provide efficient movement. Efficient movement can be inhibited by fascial restrictions and myofascial trigger points (MTrP). Myofascial release therapies target fascial restrictions and MTrPs to increase range of motion (ROM) and muscle function prior to rehabilitation or physical activity. A systematic review was needed to examine the effectiveness of these therapies so that clinicians and athletes may use only the most efficacious methods. A search of PubMed, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library electronic databases was completed to identify articles; 10 articles were included. All but 2 studies observed a significant increase in ROM, whereas no study observed a significant change in muscle function following treatment. Therefore, clinicians should use myofascial release therapies prior to rehabilitation or physical activity, as they effectively increase ROM without decreasing muscular function, resulting in increased movement efficiency and decreased injury risk. [Athletic Training & Sports Health Care. 2014;6(4):189–196.]