Effect of Myofascial Release of Neck Muscles versus Calf Muscles on Blood Pressure

Background: Myofascial release (MFR) is a manual therapy used for release of soft tissues and useful for reducing muscles stiffness, lessen pain, and enhance range of motion (ROM). The calf muscles (gastrocnemius & soleus) play a role in circulatory system that is like the heart and works in conjunction for driving the blood towards the heart. Sternocleidomastoid & Trapezius in the cervical or neck region consists of majority of blood vessels including the vertebral and carotid arteries. Contraction of the muscles leads to changes in pressure on the blood vessels beneath them. Hence, tightness of muscles put stress on the vessels leading to increase in blood pressure. Aim: To compare the effect of myofascial release (MFR) of neck muscles versus calf muscles on blood pressure. Objectives: To assess the effect of Myofascial Release (MFR) of calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) on blood pressure. To assess the effect of Myofascial Release (MFR) of neck muscles (trapezius and sternocleidomastoid) on blood pressure. To compare the effect of Myofascial release (MFR) of neck muscles versus calf muscles on blood pressure. Methods: Ethical clearance was obtained from the institutional ethical committee. Written consent was obtained from the subjects and procedure was explained to them. All the subjects were selected by randomized sampling (lottery method) for the study. The subjects were randomly divided into four groups (60 each) -Group N (neck muscles), Group C (calf muscles), Group R (resting position) and Group B (both). Pre outcome measures were taken. Intervention to the desired groups were given. Post outcome measures were taken. Results: Statistical analysis was carried out using paired t test using Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) Software version 29. There was a statistically significant difference seen in Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) and Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) in all the groups. Between group analysis showed a statistically significant difference in SBP. SBP of group N was lower than that of group C, group B & group R. Similar finding was seen in DBP. Conclusion: MFR of Calf muscles and neck muscles shows statistically significant decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. MFR of neck muscles showed greater decline in blood pressure as compared to calf muscles.