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.
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.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
39
In the self-myofascial release technique, a tennis ball will be placed on the 4th rib on the shoulder side to be applied on the wall, and the participants will be asked to move the ball using their body along the pectoralis minor.
A slight caudal force will be applied by the physiotherapist until the pectoralis minor muscle meets the comfortable elastic limit of the soft tissue.
Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization will be performed with the specified instruments for the pectoralis minor muscle.
Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
pectoralis minor length
The length of the pectoralis minor muscle will be evaluated by the physiotherapist by calculating the pectoralis minor index (PMI), which is an objective evaluation method. In the calculation of PMI, the distance between the inferomedial of the coracoid process and the caudal edge of the 4th rib in the sternum will be evaluated with a tape measure to measure the length of the pectoralis minor muscle, and the values will be recorded in centimeters. Then, the measured pectoralis minor muscle length value will be calculated by dividing the participant's height in centimeters multiplied by 100. The reference value for PMI is 7.44%.
Time frame: Baseline (first assessment)
pectoralis minor length
The length of the pectoralis minor muscle will be evaluated by the physiotherapist by calculating the pectoralis minor index (PMI), which is an objective evaluation method. In the calculation of PMI, the distance between the inferomedial of the coracoid process and the caudal edge of the 4th rib in the sternum will be evaluated with a tape measure to measure the length of the pectoralis minor muscle, and the values will be recorded in centimeters. Then, the measured pectoralis minor muscle length value will be calculated by dividing the participant's height in centimeters multiplied by 100. The reference value for PMI is 7.44%.
Time frame: Immediately after the intervention (second assessment)
rounded shoulder posture
The distance between the posterior border of the acromion and the table will be measured using a ruler while the patient is lying on her back, and the values will be recorded in cm
Time frame: Baseline (first assessment)
rounded shoulder posture
The distance between the posterior border of the acromion and the table will be measured using a ruler while the patient is lying on her back, and the values will be recorded in cm.
Time frame: Immediately after the intervention (second assessment)
glenohumeral joint total rotation ROM
The total value of the internal and external rotation angles of the glenohumeral joint will be measured with a digital inclinometer. After the inclinometer is placed on the patient's forearm, the glenohumeral joint total ROM will be recorded by passively externally and internally rotating the arms in the 90° flexion-90° abduction position.
Time frame: Baseline (first assessment)
glenohumeral joint total rotation ROM
The total value of the internal and external rotation angles of the glenohumeral joint will be measured with a digital inclinometer. After the inclinometer is placed on the patient's forearm, the glenohumeral joint total ROM will be recorded by passively externally and internally rotating the arms in the 90° flexion-90° abduction position.
Time frame: Immediately after the intervention (second assessment)
skin temperature
An infrared skin thermometer will be used to measure skin temperature.
Time frame: Baseline (first assessment)
skin temperature
An infrared skin thermometer will be used to measure skin temperature.
Time frame: Immediately after the intervention (second assessment)
number of trigger points
The presence of myofascial trigger points in the pectoralis minor muscle will be evaluated manually according to the Travel and Simons criteria. The total number will be recorded.
Time frame: Baseline (first assessment)
number of trigger points
The presence of myofascial trigger point (MTN) in the pectoralis minor muscle will be evaluated manually according to the Travel and Simons criteria. The total number will be recorded.
Time frame: Immediately after the intervention (second assessment)
pressure pain threshold
In order to evaluate the pain threshold of the pectoralis minor muscle, a pressure algometer (Baseline Push-Pull Force Gauge®, Fabrication Enterprises, Inc.) that can measure the pressure in pounds (Lb) and kilograms (kg), with a 1 cm diameter circular rubber disc attached to the piston at the end, will be used. Measurements will be recorded in kg/cm².
Time frame: Baseline (first assessment)
pressure pain threshold
In order to evaluate the pain threshold of the pectoralis minor muscle, a pressure algometer (Baseline Push-Pull Force Gauge®, Fabrication Enterprises, Inc.) that can measure the pressure in pounds (Lb) and kilograms (kg), with a 1 cm diameter circular rubber disc attached to the piston at the end, will be used. Measurements will be recorded in kg/cm².
Time frame: Immediately after the intervention (second assessment)
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