Myofascial release of the pectoral fascia: Effect on shoulder posture, pectoral length, muscle activity, and movement performance.
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Date
2021-06
Authors
Bohunicky, Sarah
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Abstract
Context: Neck-shoulder pain is among the most common health care problems, especially in office workers and females. Forward shoulder posture (FSP) is a common postural deviation and known risk factor for the development of neck-shoulder pain and pathology. Common approaches for reducing FSP include stretching and performing manual techniques to increase the length and extensibility of the scapular protractors and strengthening the scapular retractors. Myofascial release (MFR) is a group of manual techniques that elongate and soften restricted fascia, however, the effects of myofascial release to the pectorals on FSP are currently unknown.
Objective: To determine the impact of 4-minutes of MFR on: 1) FSP, 2) pectoral length, 3) muscle activity of the upper, middle, and lower trapezius and pectoralis major, 4) scapular retractor to protractor ratio of activity, and 4) movement performance compared to a soft-touch control.
Participants: Eighteen females (27 years ± 10) with FSP but otherwise healthy shoulders.
Interventions: One 4-minute MFR treatment and one 4-minute soft-touch control (CON) treatment.
Main Outcome Measures: FSP, pectoral length, muscle activity of upper, middle, and lower trapezius (UT, MT, LT) and pectoralis major (PEC), scapular retractor-protractor ratio of activity (R/P), and movement performance (reaction time [RT], movement time [MvT], end-point accuracy [constant and variable error]).
Statistical Analysis: Two-way (treatment [MFR or CON] by time [PRE and POST]) repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted on all dependent variables.
Results: There was a statistically significant decrease in FSP, F(1, 17) = 6.66, p = .019, partial η2= .282. The means (millimetres) and standard deviations were as follows: PRE-MFR 124 (15), POST-MFR 118 (14), PRE-CON 124 (15), POST-CON 122 (15). There were no statistically significant changes in pectoral length, muscle activity, or movement performance.
Conclusion: A 4-minute MFR to the pectoral fascia is effective at reducing FSP, but does not impact pectoral length, muscle activity, or movement performance. However, the study sample was well underpowered, thus possibly impacting the results of the other outcome variables. It is unclear if this reduction in FSP is considered clinically significant in reducing the risk for development of neck-shoulder pain or pathology.
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Keywords
posture, shoulder, myofascial release, muscle activity