Effects of Myofascial Exercises on Instep Kick Biomechanics and Myofascial Elasticity

This study aimed to investigate the effects of an anterior superficial myofascial chain strengthening program on maximum ball speed, myofascial elasticity, muscle activation, and shank kinematics in young soccer players. A total of 32 licensed soccer players, aged 13-14 years, were recruited and randomly assigned to either an exercise group or a control group. Participants in the exercise group underwent an 8-week anterior superficial myofascial chain strengthening program consisting of three progressive phases. At baseline and after the 8-week intervention, the maximum ball speed during the instep kick was measured using a radar gun; muscle activation was assessed via surface electromyography; and shank rotational velocity and acceleration were recorded using an inertial measurement unit. Myofascial elasticity was evaluated using a myotonometer. Compared to the control group, the exercise group demonstrated significant improvements in the maximum ball speed, muscle activation, and myofascial elasticity. However, no significant changes were observed in shank rotational velocities or accelerations. Correlation analysis revealed that changes in maximum ball speed were significantly associated with alterations in muscle activation and myofascial elasticity. The ASMC strengthening program increases the maximum ball velocity during the instep kick in young soccer players by improving muscle activation and myofascial elasticity.