Is remote stretching based on myofascial chains as effective as local exercise? A randomised-controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Exercise Physiology
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Myofascial chains connect distant body parts, influencing movement and flexibility.
• Previous research indicated lower limb stretching can enhance cervical range of motion (ROM).
• The comparative effectiveness of remote versus local stretching for cervical ROM remained uninvestigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of remote lower limb stretching (LLS) versus local cervical spine stretching (CSS) on cervical ROM.
• To determine if LLS provides similar ROM improvements as CSS.
• To assess the impact of these interventions compared to a control group.

Main Methods:

• Sixty-three healthy participants were randomized into three groups: LLS, CSS, or inactive control (CON).
• Maximal cervical ROM was measured before, immediately after, and 5 minutes post-intervention.
• Statistical analysis involved Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests to compare ROM changes between groups.

Main Results:

• Both LLS and CSS significantly increased cervical ROM across all movement planes compared to the CON group.
• No statistically significant differences in cervical ROM improvements were found between the LLS and CSS groups.
• The positive effects on cervical ROM were observed consistently across all measurement points post-intervention.

Conclusions:

• Remote lower limb stretching, utilizing myofascial chains, yields acute cervical ROM improvements comparable to local cervical spine stretching.
• Physical therapists may consider incorporating LLS into treatment programs for enhancing cervical mobility.
• Further research is needed to explore the direction-specificity and long-term effects of LLS on cervical ROM.