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Comparison of the Effectiveness of Different Myofascial Release Techniques for the Pectoralis Minor Muscle

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Mobility Limitation
Rounded Shoulder Posture
Pectoralis Minor Muscle Tension
Muscle Shortness
Forward Scapular Posture
Interventions
Other: Self Myofascial Release
Other: Myofascial Release
Other: Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization
Registration Number
NCT05429164
Lead Sponsor
Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
Brief Summary

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of self-myofascial release, myofascial release with a physiotherapist and instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) techniques for the pectoralis minor muscle on pectoralis minor muscle length, rounded shoulder posture, glenohumeral joint total rotation range of motion (ROM) and skin temperature in asymptomatic individuals.

Detailed Description

In the literature, the effects of myofascial release and instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) applications on individuals with pectoralis minor muscle are investigated, but the available evidence is insufficient. In a study conducted in asymptomatic individuals, self-myofascial release was found to be more effective than placebo application in increasing glenohumeral flexion joint range of motion (ROM), improving pectoralis minor length and advanced scapular posture. However, there was one study comparing the short-term effectiveness of the self-myofascial release method and IASTM methods on pectoralis minor length, glenohumeral total arch movement and skin temperature in individuals with short pectoralis minor, and the results of both applications were found to be similar. Despite these studies in the current literature, the amount of evidence examining the effectiveness of myofascial release technique performed under the guidance of a physiotherapist in individuals with short pectoralis minor is insufficient. However, the number of studies comparing the immediate and short-term effects of different myofascial release methods on the pectoralis minor muscle lengthening is few. Given the limited evidence available, different myofascial release methods may produce different short-term responses on the pectoralis minor muscle, with different results on muscle length, scapular position, glenohumeral total arch motion, and superficial skin temperature. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of 3 different myofascial release techniques on pectoralis minor muscle length, rounded shoulder posture, glenohumeral joint total rotation ROM and skin temperature in asymptomatic individuals.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
39
Inclusion Criteria
  • between the ages of 18-35
  • Presence of pectoralis minor shortness
  • Not having any upper extremity injury in the last 6 months
Exclusion Criteria
  • Presence of upper extremity surgery in the last 12 months
  • Presence of neurological disorder in the upper extremity
  • Any sensory problems or open wounds around the shoulder

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Self Myofascial ReleaseSelf Myofascial ReleaseSelf Myofascial Release only
Myofascial ReleaseMyofascial ReleaseMyofascial Release with Physical Therapist Only
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue MobilizationInstrument Assisted Soft Tissue MobilizationInstrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Only
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
pectoralis minor lengthBaseline (first assessment)

The length of the pectoralis minor muscle will be evaluated by the physiotherapist by calculating the pectoralis minor index (PMI), which is an objective evaluation method. In the calculation of PMI, the distance between the inferomedial of the coracoid process and the caudal edge of the 4th rib in the sternum will be evaluated with a tape measure to measure the length of the pectoralis minor muscle, and the values will be recorded in centimeters. Then, the measured pectoralis minor muscle length value will be calculated by dividing the participant's height in centimeters multiplied by 100. The reference value for PMI is 7.44%.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
number of trigger pointsImmediately after the intervention (second assessment)

The presence of myofascial trigger point (MTN) in the pectoralis minor muscle will be evaluated manually according to the Travel and Simons criteria. The total number will be recorded.

pectoralis minor lengthImmediately after the intervention (second assessment)

The length of the pectoralis minor muscle will be evaluated by the physiotherapist by calculating the pectoralis minor index (PMI), which is an objective evaluation method. In the calculation of PMI, the distance between the inferomedial of the coracoid process and the caudal edge of the 4th rib in the sternum will be evaluated with a tape measure to measure the length of the pectoralis minor muscle, and the values will be recorded in centimeters. Then, the measured pectoralis minor muscle length value will be calculated by dividing the participant's height in centimeters multiplied by 100. The reference value for PMI is 7.44%.

skin temperatureImmediately after the intervention (second assessment)

An infrared skin thermometer will be used to measure skin temperature.

glenohumeral joint total rotation ROMImmediately after the intervention (second assessment)

The total value of the internal and external rotation angles of the glenohumeral joint will be measured with a digital inclinometer. After the inclinometer is placed on the patient's forearm, the glenohumeral joint total ROM will be recorded by passively externally and internally rotating the arms in the 90° flexion-90° abduction position.

rounded shoulder postureImmediately after the intervention (second assessment)

The distance between the posterior border of the acromion and the table will be measured using a ruler while the patient is lying on her back, and the values will be recorded in cm.

pressure pain thresholdImmediately after the intervention (second assessment)

In order to evaluate the pain threshold of the pectoralis minor muscle, a pressure algometer (Baseline Push-Pull Force Gauge®, Fabrication Enterprises, Inc.) that can measure the pressure in pounds (Lb) and kilograms (kg), with a 1 cm diameter circular rubber disc attached to the piston at the end, will be used. Measurements will be recorded in kg/cm².

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa

🇹🇷

Istanbul, Turkey

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