Myofascial release strategies and technique recommendations for athletic performance: A systematic review

• Published in: Journal of bodywork and movement therapies Vol. 36; pp. 30 - 37
• Main Authors: França, Maria Elisa Duarte, Amorim, Mayane dos Santos, Sinhorim, Larissa, Santos, Gilmar Moraes, do Nascimento, Iramar Baptistella
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-10-2023
• Subjects: Athletic performance; Fascia; Musculoskeletal manipulations; Tissue adhesions; Musculoskeletal manipulations; Fascia; Athletic performance; Tissue adhesions
• ISSN: 1360-8592; 1532-9283
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2023.04.085

To identify the effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and foam roller self-myofascial release (FRSMR) strategies and verify their results in athletic performance.
Systematic review conducted in four databases from 2017. The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of two forms of soft tissue mobilization on athletes’ performance. The risk of bias was analyzed using the Cochrane Handbook scale.
Ten studies were included for qualitative analysis. IASTM increased range of motion, knee joint kinetic force, peak torque, and angular velocity in dorsiflexion and plantar flexion. The technique increases isometric strength and isokinetic power in vertical jumping. FRSMR was relevant in counter movement jumping between the pre- and post-intervention conditions, mainly by increasing strength in the initial jumping phase.
IASTM should be used in sports preparation to improve muscle response and explosive force production. FRSMR increases flexibility as it tends to restore tissue elasticity, but it does not improve aerobic activity. The suggested time for strategy intervention is at least 90 s per muscle group.
•Instrumented myofascial release improves muscle response and explosive force production;•Self-applied myofascial release with FR increases flexibility, but does not improve performance;•Time of intervention with FR per muscle should be above 90s;•The quality of the studies are low, and high quality research is needed to provide comparations between studies.