Investigation of the immediate effects of thoracolumbar fascia release techniques on trunk joint range of motion, endurance and joint position sense in healthy individuals

Our study was planned to examine the effects of two different thoracolumbar fascia release techniques on trunk range of motion (ROM), endurance and joint position sense (JPS) in healthy individuals. Thirty four healthy adult individuals were included in our study. Demographic and physical characteristics of individuals were recorded. Trunk flexion and extension ROM measurements of individuals were evaluated using a digital goniometer. Measurements were made three times and average was recorded in terms of angle. Endurance of trunk flexor and extensor muscles was evaluated with McGill Endurance Test and time was recorded in seconds. For measurement of JPS, individuals were taught a position of 30 degrees in flexion and lateral flexion directions on both sides, 15 degrees in extension direction. Then they were asked to find these angles while their eyes closed. Absolute values of deviations in three measurements for each direction were taken and average of these values was recorded. Individuals were divided into three groups with a simple randomization method, Graston Technique (GT) was applied to the thoracolumbal fascia in one group and Percussive Massage Technique (PMT) was applied in another group, Group 3 was the Control group and no intervention was made. In study groups, intervention was made immediately after first evaluation and second evaluation was made immediately after intervention. In control group, individuals were evaluated for first time and re-evaluation was made after approximately 10 minutes (as much as intervention time in study groups) without any intervention. All groups were similar in terms of age, BMI and gender distribution (p>0.05). In the GT group, it was determined that there was no change in the evaluations made after intervention compared to pre-intervention in ROM, endurance and JPS measurements (p>0.05). There was an increase in ROM in both directions in PMT group (p<0.05). In addition, it was determined that there was an increase in extension endurance time (p<0.05), and there was no change in flexion endurance time (p>0.05). In JPS, improvement was observed in all directions (p<0.05). In control group, there was no change in ROM (p>0.05). Flexion endurance time decreased (p<0.05), extension endurance time did not change (p>0.05). In JPS parameter, there was a decrease in the amount of deviation in right lateral flexion direction (p<0.05), and there was no change in the other 3 directions (p>0.05). As a result, single session GT application to the thoracolumbal fascia has no effect on trunk ROM, endurance and EPH; PMT was found to improve trunk EHA and EPH. We think that PMT intervention in clinic is a method that can be preferred by clinicians due to its early effects.