Effects of Static Stretching and Self-myofascial Release on Local and Remote Range of Motion
- Conditions
- HealthHealthy ParticipantsHealthy SubjectsHealthy Young PeopleHealthy Young AdultsStretchingMyofascial ReleaseMassage Effect
- Registration Number
- NCT07213011
- Lead Sponsor
- University of Palermo
- Brief Summary
Static stretching and self-myofascial release are commonly used techniques to improve joint mobility, primarily through mechanisms such as reduced tissue stiffness, increased stretch tolerance, and warming effects. Emerging evidence suggests that these interventions may also elicit remote effects, improving range of motion in body segments distant from the site of application. These non-local adaptations are thought to occur via mechanisms such as myofascial force transmission, systemic increases in stretch tolerance, or global neuromuscular responses. This phenomenon may have important clinical implications, particularly in scenarios where direct treatment of a target area is limited due to pain, injury, or immobilization.
Therefore, this study explores the potential for local and remote effects of static stretching and self-myofascial release applied to the right posterolateral neck region. Specifically, this study investigates whether targeted cervical interventions can acutely improve not only cervical range of motion but also hip flexion range of motion on the ipsilateral (right) side. The proposed mechanisms include reductions in tissue stiffness, increased stretch tolerance and pressure pain threshold, and the transmission of mechanical forces along myofascial chains, particularly the "superficial back line," which anatomically connects the cervical region to the posterior lower limb. The primary aim of this study was to compare the acute effects of neck static stretching and neck self-myofascial release using a massage roller on both local (cervical) and remote (right hip) ROM.
- Detailed Description
All outcome data will be expressed as mean ± standard deviation. The reliability of baseline measurements (T0) will be assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for all variables. After verifying the distribution of the data, potential baseline differences among the three experimental conditions will be assessed (stretching, myofascial release, and control) through a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).
To examine differences in the main outcomes, a repeated-measures ANOVA (3 conditions × 2 time points) will be conducted. When a significant condition × time interaction is detected, post hoc analyses with Scheffé corrections will be applied to determine specific between and within-group differences. Effect sizes will be reported as partial eta squared (η²p). Statistical significance will be set at p \< 0.05 for all analyses
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- COMPLETED
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 30
- Healthy male and female participants aged 18 or older.
- orthopedic or neurological disorders;
- current and recent injuries or damage to the upper and lower limbs.
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- CROSSOVER
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Range Of Motion During each condition (SS, SMR, CC), hip and cervical ROM was collected at two time-points: upon arrival (T0) and immediately following the assigned condition (T1). Right hip flexion range of motion (ROM) was assessed using the Active Straight Leg Raise test. Participants lay in a supine position with the test knee fully extended and the ankle dorsiflexed, a setup intended to specifically assess hamstring extensibility. Hip flexion was measured in degrees using the GYKO inertial measurement unit.
Cervical ROM was evaluated with participants seated and secured to the chair at the chest level using inelastic straps to limit trunk movement. The GYKO accelerometer was positioned on the forehead via a head strap and recorded active cervical movements in flexion, extension, right and left rotation, and right and left inclination.
The investigators collected three ROM measurements for each movement (hip flexion, cervical flexion/extension, right and left cervical rotation, right and left cervical inclination) and for each time point (T0 and T1), then used the average of the three measurements for statistical analysis.Tissue Hardness During each condition (SS, SMR, CC), cervical and hamstring TH was collected at two time-points: upon arrival (T0) and immediately following the assigned condition (T1). Tissue hardness (TH) nwas assessed using a portable TH meter (NEUTONE TDM-N1; TRY-ALL Corp., Chiba, Japan). For cervical TH assessment, the spinous process of C7 served as the anatomical landmark. Measurements were taken at two locations, positioned 2 cm lateral to the right and left of the C7 spinous process. Assessment of TH in the right knee flexors was conducted using the ischial tuberosity as the proximal reference point and the popliteal fossa as the distal landmark. Measurements were obtained at two specific sites located in the proximal third of the posterior thigh: a lateral site corresponding to the biceps femoris and a medial site corresponding to the semitendinosus/semimembranosus muscle complex. All TH measurements were performed with participants in a prone position on a medical examination bed. Participants were instructed to remain relaxed throughout the procedure. For each time point (T0 and T1), three consecutive measurements were taken per anatomical site.
Pain Pressure Threshold During each condition (SS, SMR, CC), cervical and hamstring PPT was collected at two time-points: upon arrival (T0) and immediately following the assigned condition (T1). Pain pressure threshold (PPT) was measured using a portable digital algometer (FPX 25 Pain Tester, Wagner Instruments, CT, USA). Participant positioning and the anatomical testing sites were identical to those used for the TH assessments. The algometer probe was applied perpendicularly to the muscle fibers, and pressure was manually increased at a constant rate of 1 kg·s-¹ by the same trained investigator to ensure consistency. Participants were instructed to verbally indicate "stop" at the point where the sensation first transitioned from pressure to pain. The corresponding value displayed on the algometer at that moment, expressed in kg·cm-², was recorded as the PPT. The investigators collected three PPT measurements for each anatomical site and time point (T0 and T1), then used the average of the three measurements for statistical analysis.
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
University of Palermo
🇮🇹Palermo, Italy
University of Palermo🇮🇹Palermo, Italy