Comparison of Myofascial Release Techniques on Pectoralis Minor Length, Glenohumeral Total Arc of Motion, and Skin Temperature: A Pilot Study
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Context: The pectoralis minor (PM) is an important postural muscle that may benefit from myofascial techniques, such as Graston Technique® (GT) and self-myofascial release (SMR). Objective: To examine the effects of GT and SMR on PM length, glenohumeral total arc of motion (TAM), and skin temperature. Design: Cohort. Setting: Laboratory. Participants: Twenty-six healthy participants (19 females and 7 males; age = 20.9 [2.24] y, height = 170.52 [8.66] cm, and weight = 72.45 [12.32] kg) with PM length restriction participated. Interventions: Participants were randomized to the intervention groups (GT = 12 and SMR = 14). GT and SMR interventions were both applied for a total of 5 minutes during each of the 3 treatment sessions. Main Outcome Measures: PM length, TAM, and skin temperature were collected before and after each intervention session (Pre1, Post1, Pre2, Post2, Pre3, and Post3) and at 1-week follow-up (follow-up). Separate intervention by time analyses of variance examined differences for each outcomes measure. Bonferroni post hoc analyses were completed when indicated. Significance was set a priori at P ≤ .05. Results: No significant intervention by time interactions were identified for PM length, TAM, or temperature (P > .05). No significant intervention main effects were identified for PM length (P > .05), TAM (P > .05), or temperature (P > .05) between the GT or SMR technique groups. Overall, time main effects were found for PM length (P = .02) and temperature (P < .001). Post hoc analysis showed a significant increase in PM length for both intervention groups at follow-up (P = .03) compared with Post2. Furthermore, there were significant increases in temperature at Post1 (P < .001), Post2 (P = .01), and Post3 (P < .001) compared with Pre1; Post2 was increased compared with Pre2 (P = .003), Pre3 (P < .001), and follow-up (P = .01); Post3 increased compared with Pre3 (P = .01) and follow-up (P = .01). Conclusion: Serial application of GT and SMR to the PM did not result in increases in PM length or TAM. Regardless of intervention, skin temperature increased following each intervention.
The authors are with the Department of Applied Medicine and Rehabilitation, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN.
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