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Myofascial release induces declines in heart rate and changes to microvascular reactivity in young healthy adults.

Authors :
Davis, Jackson
Feldman, Rachel I.
Traylor, Miranda K.
Gray, Sylvie M.
Drake, Shawn M.
Keller, Joshua L.
Source :
Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies; Apr2024, Vol. 38, p254-262, 9p
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare physiological responses to myofascial release (MFR) and passive limb movement (PLM). Nineteen (23 ± 2.6yrs) adults (10 men and 9 women) completed two experiments on separate days: MFR and PLM. Participation included collecting ultrasound images, blood pressure, and heart rate (HR) as well as performing a vascular occlusion test (VOT). The VOT assessed muscle tissue oxygenation (StO 2) with near-infrared spectroscopy. Experiments consisted of moving the upper limb to release subtle barriers of resistance in the muscle/fascia (MFR) and passive, assisted range of motion (PLM). There was a significantly (p = 0.012) greater decrease in HR following MFR (−7.3 ± 5.2 BPM) than PLM (−1.3 ± 0.9 BPM). There was an equivalent change in brachial blood flow (−17.3 ± 23.0 vs. −11.9 ± 14.9 mL min<superscript>−1</superscript>; p = 0.37) and vascular conductance (−19.3 ± 31.1 vs. −12.4 ± 15.3 mL min<superscript>−1</superscript> mmHg<superscript>−1</superscript>; p = 0.38). Microvascular responses differed between the experiments such that MFR exhibited greater area under the curve (AUC, 1503 ± 499.1%∙s<superscript>−1</superscript> vs. 1203 ± 411.1%∙s<superscript>−1</superscript>; p = 0.021) and time to maximum StO 2 (40.0 ± 8.4s vs. 35.8 ± 7.3s; p = 0.009). As evidenced by HR, MFR induced greater parasympathetic activity than PLM. The greater AUC and time to StO 2max following MFR suggested a spillover effect to induce prolonged hyper-saturation. These results may be of interest to those investigating possible MFR-related rehabilitative benefits. • Heart rate significantly decreased following myofascial release. • Myofascial release provoked downstream prolonged hyper-saturation. • Time to reach peak oxygenation was greater after myofascial release than control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
13608592
Volume :
38
Database :
Supplemental Index
Journal :
Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
177288212
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2024.01.006