Comparative analysis of ultrasound changes in the vastus lateralis muscle following myofascial release and thermotherapy: a pilot study

Kazuna Ichikawa; Hitoshi Takei; Hideyuki Usa; Shoh Mitomo; Daisuke Ogawa

doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2014.11.018

Comparative analysis of ultrasound changes in the vastus lateralis muscle following myofascial release and thermotherapy: a pilot study

J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2015 Apr;19(2):327-36. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2014.11.018. Epub 2014 Dec 23.

Authors

Kazuna Ichikawa¹, Hitoshi Takei², Hideyuki Usa³, Shoh Mitomo⁴, Daisuke Ogawa⁵

Affiliations

¹ Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate School of Human Health Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan; Senkawa-Shinoda Orthopedic Clinic, Japan. Electronic address: kazunaichi@gmail.com.
² Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate School of Human Health Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan.
³ Division of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan.
⁴ Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate School of Human Health Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan; Kawakita General Hospital, Japan.
⁵ Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate School of Human Health Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan; Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Human Health Sciences, Mejiro University, Japan.

PMID: 25892389
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2014.11.018

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effects of myofascial release (MFR) and hot pack therapy (HPT) on fascial gliding and flexibility of the vastus lateralis muscle.

Methods: Three treatments were applied to the left vastus lateralis muscles of each participant (12 healthy males): MFR for 4 min, superficial HPT for 10 min, and superficial HPT for 20 min. Deep fascial motion was measured by B-mode ultrasound, whereas muscle stiffness was measured by real-time elastography (RTE) and a durometer before and after the interventions.

Results: Only MFR resulted in changes in both deep fascial motion and muscle stiffness measured by RTE. Durometer-measured muscle stiffness revealed changes following both MFR and 20-min HPT but not 10-min HPT.

Conclusions: HPT may produce only superficial effects. Because MFR improved all measured parameters, continuous stretching and pressure are probably important for improving fascial gliding and flexibility of the vastus lateralis muscle.

Keywords: Motion of the deep fascia; Muscle stiffness; Myofascial release; Ultrasound.

Publication types

Comparative Study

MeSH terms

Adult
Fascia / physiology*
Humans
Hyperthermia, Induced / methods*
Male
Pilot Projects
Quadriceps Muscle / diagnostic imaging
Quadriceps Muscle / physiology*
Therapy, Soft Tissue / methods*
Ultrasonography