Investigation of the Acute Effect of Myofascial Release Techniques and Dynamic Stretch

Fascia is a connective tissue that contains a large amount of water and contains blood vessels, nerves that surround the muscles and connect the various structures of the body. In the event of an injury, the fascia has to cause some limitations to reduce muscle spasms, neuromuscular changes and pain. In order to achieve this, it can adhere to muscles and other body structures. In the physically active population, these facial adhesions may cause a decrease in performance over time, while the body heals itself after mechanical stresses and injuries. It is remarkable that various facial techniques are tried and compared with each other in order to increase performance. The most noteworthy of these techniques is foam roller (FR) and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM).

The IASTM technique is a therapeutic approach developed by James Cyriax. There are many different instruments used for myofascial release. The most popular one is Graston Technique® (GT® ). With specially designed instruments, longitudinal pressure is applied along the fibers of the respective muscles. Damaged tissues are detected by varying tissue vibration under the instrument. The therapeutic efficacy of the instruments, in particular by microtrauma created in the damaged areas, induces local inflammation response, enhances scar tissue destruction, enhances adhesion relaxation, enhances collagen synthesis and stimulates connective tissue remodeling. In addition to its rehabilitative use, IASTM has been found to be effective as a method that stimulates the nerves in muscles and increases muscle strength, performance and endurance. In addition, as tissue mobility and range of motion increase, performance increases and shortening of the recovery period after physical activity occurs.

In addition to manual therapy methods for myofascial release techniques, there are also applications that patients can perform on their own. FR and Stick Roller are examples. The use of pre-competition FR increases joint range of motion, reduces pain and tension, increases blood flow and joint flexibility, and reduces injury rate when exercising. It also relaxes scar tissue and facial adhesions, regulates muscle tone, provides relaxation in excessively active muscles and improves movement quality.

FR application is carried out with a foam roller which can vary in size, shape and density. It has become popular in clinics and athletic training halls because of their ease of use and versatility. They are available in different lengths, making them easier to move and easier to maneuver in different parts of the body. Best used in the treatment of large muscle groups. Each muscle group has a defined position and protocol with different starting and ending points. Individuals with poor collagen load ability and individuals new to FR studies often have to spend more time on the cylinder to achieve the best results. Foam roller sessions can be held once or twice a day and can be used as a warm-up tool before a training session or as a regeneration option after training. It increases tissue extensibility by opening both IASTM and FR adhesions.

A preferred and highly studied method for performance improvement, especially before competitions, is dynamic stretching. Dynamic stretching (DS) exercises are used for warm-up and relaxation before and after sports exercises. It is one of the common applications used for preparation before physical exercise. Dynamic stretching exercises are a series of exercises to prepare the muscles and joints in the body for the activity to be done, to reduce the incidence of possible injuries and to accelerate the regeneration process after sports. In addition, there are studies showing that dynamic stretching exercises affect performance positively and it has been found to give better results in areas such as jump and sprint compared to static stretching exercises.

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of these three techniques on vertical jump performance and their advantages over each other.

Inclusion criteria

• being between18-35 years old,
• being recreationally active,
• volunteering to participate in the study
• no pain complaints.

Exclusion criteria

• body mass index of 30 kg / m² or more,
• previous lower extremity surgery and joint,
• meniscus or ligament injury,
• chronic knee instability,
• cardiac, musculoskeletal, vestibular and neurological problems,
• long-term use of corticosteroids
• pregnancy.