ACUTE EFFECT OF MYOFASCIAL RELEASE TECHNIQUE ON UPPER EXTREMITY MUSCLE STRENGTH AND PERFORMANCE IN VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS

Our aim in this study is to investigate the acute effect of manual myofascial release applied in warm-up period by a physiotherapist on upper extremity muscle strength and sportive performance in volleyball players. This prospective, single-center longitudinal study included 20 female amateur players, between ages of 18-27 in the college women’s volleyball team. Upper extremity muscle strength and athletic performance of players were evaluated before (pre-application) and 30 minutes after (post-application) applying a single myofascial release session. Hand dynamometer (Jamar, JLW Instruments, Chicago, IL 60607) was used to evaluate upper extremity muscle strength and seated medicine ball throw test was used to evaluate athletic performance. Myofascial release therapy was manually applied to each participant by a physiotherapist for a total of 20 minutes for both upper extremities. Post-application values ​​for upper extremity muscle strength and sportive performance were higher than pre-application values. Muscle strength was significantly improved (23.71±4.36; 25.35±5.41, p=0.014), while no improvement observed in sportive performance ​​(261.08±86.05; 657.25 ± 1723.68, p=0.321). Applying a single session of myofascial release technique manually on upper extremities in warm-up period will be helpful to improve muscle strength as an acute effect.