Does Self-Myofascial Release Cause a Remote Hamstring Stretching Effect Based on Myofascial Chains? A Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Anatomy
• Myofascial Chains

Background:

• Hamstring flexibility is crucial for athletic performance and injury prevention.
• The superficial back line (SBL) is a myofascial chain involving the hamstrings.
• Self-myofascial release (SMR) is a technique used to address myofascial restrictions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of SMR on hamstring flexibility.
• To identify which SBL segment provides the most significant improvement in flexibility.
• To assess changes in ankle dorsiflexion alongside hamstring flexibility.

Main Methods:

• 94 participants were randomized into a control or one of five SMR intervention groups.
• SMR was applied to specific SBL segments (plantar fascia, sural fascia, crural fascia, lumbar fascia, epicranial aponeurosis) for varying durations.
• Hamstring flexibility and ankle dorsiflexion were measured at multiple time points.

Main Results:

• SMR applied to any SBL segment enhanced hamstring flexibility and ankle dorsiflexion.
• The posterior sural fascia was most effective for short SMR durations (30s-2min).
• The posterior crural fascia showed the greatest effect with longer SMR durations (5-10min).

Conclusions:

• The superficial back line functions as a cohesive unit.
• SMR targeting any SBL segment can positively influence hamstring flexibility and ankle mobility.
• A significant portion of flexibility gains occur within the initial 2 minutes of SMR.