Effect of myofascial release to the chest on glenohumeral internal rotation : a comparison of practitioner-applied vs self-applied techniques

Abstract

Background: Limitation of glenohumeral internal rotation is a common finding in people who regularly perform overhead movements during sporting and vocational tasks

Aim: The aim of this preliminary randomised controlled experiment was to investigate the effect of myofascial release (practitioner-applied vs self-applied) to the chest on glenohumeral internal rotation. Methods: Healthy, physically active, male participants (n=10; mean 30.7±5.9 years) with reduced glenohumeral internal rotation (deemed to be due to myofascial dysfunction), and with tenderness reported on deep palpation of the chest, were enrolled. Participants were randomised to a practitioner-applied (n=5) or self-applied (n=5) technique intervention group. Active glenohumeral internal rotation ROM measurements were recorded prior to, immediately following, 1 hr post, and 24 hr post-intervention.

Results: The main finding was an immediate, clinically meaningful, and statistically significant increase in glenohumeral internal rotation for the treatment limb compared to the control limb that was retained 24 hr after intervention (pre to 24 hr post-intervention: mean difference±SD = -6.94±3.24°, 95% CI -9.25 to -4.63°, t=-6.8, df=9, p≤0.001). There was no significant difference in ROM change between the practitioner-applied treatment limb group and the self-applied treatment limb group (pre to 24 hr post-intervention: mean difference±SE = 3.38±3.3°, 95% CI -4.21 to 10.98°, t=1.027, df=8, p=0.334).

Conclusion: Therapeutic myofascial release to the chest was associated with a clinically meaningful improvement in glenohumeral internal rotation. Additionally, the magnitudes of effect for both practitioner-applied and self-applied myofascial release were similar. Given the clinically favorable effects observed in this small sample, a larger randomised controlled study is warranted.