This study compared the effects of two myofascial chain training programs - the Superficial Posterior Line (PL) and the Spiral Line (SL) - on joint mobility and myofascial isometric endurance in adolescent male football players. Thirty-eight licensed male players (ages 15-16) were enrolled in a randomized crossover trial consisting of two 6-week training phases (12 weeks total), with follow-up measurements at week 16. Each program was delivered twice weekly in 30-minute sessions alongside regular club training. Joint mobility was assessed using goniometry (shoulder flexion, hip flexion, hip extension, popliteal angle), and myofascial isometric endurance was evaluated using the Bunkie Test across five lines (APL, PPL, PSL, LSL, MSL).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
38
6-week myofascial training program targeting the posterior chain (plantar fascia, gastrocnemius, hamstrings, erector spinae). Two 30-minute sessions per week.
6-week myofascial training program targeting the spiral chain (rhomboids, serratus anterior, obliques, ITB, fibularis longus). Two 30-minute sessions per week.
Mersin University
Mersin, Mersin, Turkey (Türkiye)
Myofascial Isometric Endurance (Bunkie Test)
Isometric endurance of five myofascial lines (APL, PPL, PSL, LSL, MSL) assessed in seconds using the Bunkie Test protocol.
Time frame: Baseline, Week 6, Week 12, and Week 16
Shoulder Flexion Range of Motion
degrees
Time frame: Baseline, Week 6, Week 12, and Week 16
Hip Flexion Range of Motion
degrees
Time frame: Baseline, Week 6, Week 12, and Week 16
Hip Extension Range of Motion
degrees
Time frame: Baseline, Week 6, Week 12, and Week 16
Popliteal Angle
degrees
Time frame: Baseline, Week 6, Week 12, and Week 16
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.