Remote Effect of Myofascial Release Technique and Post-isometric Relaxation on Superficial Back Line Flexibility: Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Background: Myofascial techniques improve flexibility and range of motion along the posterior muscles of the superficial back line (SBL). This study aims to compare the remote effect of the Myofascial release technique (MFRT) and muscle energy technique (MET) when applied over the plantar fascia, for improving SBL structures’ flexibility in asymptomatic young individuals. Methods: Randomized controlled trial was conducted on 104 college students between 18 and 25 years in the medical college, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. Participants with tight hamstrings assessed using the Toe touch test (TTT) were included. Subjects were randomly allocated to the MFR and MET group, 52 subjects in each group (38 male, 14 female). Subjects in the MFR group were given MFRT over the plantar fascia, and subjects in the MET group were given the MET technique over the short toe flexors of both legs. Pre- and posttreatment immediate and post-1-week measurements were taken. Straight leg raise test (SLRT) and TTT were used as the outcome measures. Results: There was significant immediate improvement in hamstrings flexibility ( P = 0.000) in both MFR ( t -test was −18.987, −22.001 and 27.661 for right and left SLRT and TTT respectively) and MET groups (−22.606, −14.879 and 21.295 for right and left SLRT and TTT, respectively). Inter-group mean difference 3 days post intervention was 6.1539 for right-sided SLRT, 7.5 for left-sided SLRT and 3.9462 for TTT. Inter-group mean difference post 1 week follow-up was 7.2116 for right-sided SLRT, 8.3654 for left-sided SLRT and 5.4711 for TTT. Paired t -test and independent t- test values and mean difference at both time intervals showed high significance. Although statistical comparison of the results of both techniques proved that the MFR group had more improvement than the MET group ( P = 0.000). Conclusion: MFR and MET were both found to be effective in improving flexibility in remote areas of SBL structures, that is hamstring muscle; however, MFR is a more effective technique. This study is registered in CTRI with registration number ‘CTRI/2021/08/035518’.