ABSTRACT

Year : 2022  |  Volume : 6  |  Issue : 2  |  Page : 73

Physiotherapy in Musculoskeletal and Sports conditions: AB No: 180: Effects of Static versus Dynamic Myofascial Decompression on Gastrosoleus Muscle Power and Latent Trigger Point Pain

Gaurang Baxi, Keerthana R, Divya Gohil, Tushar Palekar
Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune

Correspondence Address:

Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None

DOI: 10.4103/2456-7787.361093

Purpose: Muscle performance is an essential functional component, influenced by physiological, anatomical, psychological and biomechanical factors. It includes flexibility, muscle strength, agility and cardiovascular and aerobic endurance. Treatment approaches like stretching and myofascial decompression help improve flexibility and thereby muscle performance. This study explored the effects of static and dynamic myofascial decompression on gastrosoleus trigger point pain and power. Participants: 105 healthy normal individuals in the age group of 20-30yrs having gastrosoleus latent trigger points volunteered to participate in the study. Methods: The subjects were divided in to three groups by simple random sampling using the chit method. Group A received static myofascial decompression, dynamic stretching and cryotherapy. Group B received dynamic myofascial decompression, dynamic stretching and cryotherapy. Group C received dynamic stretching and cryotherapy. Lower extremity muscle power and functional performance were tested by Vertical jump height. Gastrosoleus muscle’s myofascial trigger point pain sensitivity was measured with a pressure algometer. Analysis: Data was analyzed using SPSS. Difference in the mean Vertical jump height and pain pressure threshold values between the groups were analyzed using one way ANOVA. Intra group analysis was done using Repeated Measures ANOVA. A value of p<0.05 at 95% confidence interval was noted to be statistically significant. Results: Participants in all three groups showed clinical improvement, however the differences in the three groups were not statistically significant. In the dynamic myofascial decompression group a significant (p<0.05) carry-over effect was seen in the vertical jump height test post 5 days of intervention. Conclusions: Static and Dynamic myofascial decompression are equally effective in reducing pain and improving gastrosoleus muscle power in subjects with latent trigger points. A sustained carry over effect was seen in the vertical jump height test in the dynamic myofascial decompression group after 5 days. Implications: Myofacial restrictions affect the muscle power and function. This aspect needs to be kept in mind in rehabilitation.

Keywords: Cupping, dynamic stretching, myofascial decompression, muscle power, muscle performance, muscle stretching, static stretching, trigger points