A pilot study of balance performance benefit of myofascial release, with a tennis ball, in chronic stroke patients

Background We hypothesised that the balance of spastic chronic stroke patients is related to myofascial problems. We performed myofascial release (MFR) with a tennis ball on the affected limb, as suggested by Myers. Purpose This study investigated the benefits of 8 weeks of MFR using a tennis ball on the balance of spastic patients. Methods Eight stroke patients were enrolled voluntarily after providing informed consent. All subjects received 8-week interventions with MFR using a tennis ball three times per week. The patients were evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed ‘Up & Go' (TUG) test before and after 4 and 8 weeks of the intervention. Results There were significant differences in the BBS scores ( p = 0.001). The TUG time decreased significantly at 4 and 8 weeks ( p = 0.034). Conclusion Myofascial release appears to improve the balance of spastic chronic stroke patients; however, further studies should evaluate the effective of MFR on walking in stroke patients and determine the mechanism of the effect of MFR.