Investigation of the Acute Effect of Myofascial Release Techniques and Dynamic Stretch on Vertical Jump Performance in Recreationally Active Individuals
Condition: Healthy
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      Fascia is a connective tissue that contains a large amount of water and contains blood
      vessels, nerves that surround the muscles and connect the various structures of the body. In
      the event of an injury, the fascia has to cause some limitations to reduce muscle spasms,
      neuromuscular changes and pain. In order to achieve this, it can adhere to muscles and other
      body structures. In the physically active population, these facial adhesions may cause a
      decrease in performance over time, while the body heals itself after mechanical stresses and
      injuries. It is remarkable that various facial techniques are tried and compared with each
      other in order to increase performance. The most noteworthy of these techniques is foam
      roller (FR) and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM). As well as myofascial
      techniques, a preferred and highly studied method for performance improvement, especially
      before competitions, is dynamic stretching. The aim of this study is to compare the effects
      of these three techniques on vertical jump performance and their advantages over each other.
    

Detailed description: 
      Fascia is a connective tissue that contains a large amount of water and contains blood
      vessels, nerves that surround the muscles and connect the various structures of the body. In
      the event of an injury, the fascia has to cause some limitations to reduce muscle spasms,
      neuromuscular changes and pain. In order to achieve this, it can adhere to muscles and other
      body structures. In the physically active population, these facial adhesions may cause a
      decrease in performance over time, while the body heals itself after mechanical stresses and
      injuries. It is remarkable that various facial techniques are tried and compared with each
      other in order to increase performance. The most noteworthy of these techniques is foam
      roller (FR) and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM).

      The IASTM technique is a therapeutic approach developed by James Cyriax. There are many
      different instruments used for myofascial release. The most popular one is Graston Technique®
      (GT® ). With specially designed instruments, longitudinal pressure is applied along the
      fibers of the respective muscles. Damaged tissues are detected by varying tissue vibration
      under the instrument. The therapeutic efficacy of the instruments, in particular by
      microtrauma created in the damaged areas, induces local inflammation response, enhances scar
      tissue destruction, enhances adhesion relaxation, enhances collagen synthesis and stimulates
      connective tissue remodeling. In addition to its rehabilitative use, IASTM has been found to
      be effective as a method that stimulates the nerves in muscles and increases muscle strength,
      performance and endurance. In addition, as tissue mobility and range of motion increase,
      performance increases and shortening of the recovery period after physical activity occurs.

      In addition to manual therapy methods for myofascial release techniques, there are also
      applications that patients can perform on their own. FR and Stick Roller are examples. The
      use of pre-competition FR increases joint range of motion, reduces pain and tension,
      increases blood flow and joint flexibility, and reduces injury rate when exercising. It also
      relaxes scar tissue and facial adhesions, regulates muscle tone, provides relaxation in
      excessively active muscles and improves movement quality.

      FR application is carried out with a foam roller which can vary in size, shape and density.
      It has become popular in clinics and athletic training halls because of their ease of use and
      versatility. They are available in different lengths, making them easier to move and easier
      to maneuver in different parts of the body. Best used in the treatment of large muscle
      groups. Each muscle group has a defined position and protocol with different starting and
      ending points. Individuals with poor collagen load ability and individuals new to FR studies
      often have to spend more time on the cylinder to achieve the best results. Foam roller
      sessions can be held once or twice a day and can be used as a warm-up tool before a training
      session or as a regeneration option after training. It increases tissue extensibility by
      opening both IASTM and FR adhesions.

      A preferred and highly studied method for performance improvement, especially before
      competitions, is dynamic stretching. Dynamic stretching (DS) exercises are used for warm-up
      and relaxation before and after sports exercises. It is one of the common applications used
      for preparation before physical exercise. Dynamic stretching exercises are a series of
      exercises to prepare the muscles and joints in the body for the activity to be done, to
      reduce the incidence of possible injuries and to accelerate the regeneration process after
      sports. In addition, there are studies showing that dynamic stretching exercises affect
      performance positively and it has been found to give better results in areas such as jump and
      sprint compared to static stretching exercises.

      The aim of this study is to compare the effects of these three techniques on vertical jump
      performance and their advantages over each other.
    

Intervention name(s): Graston Technique; Dynamic stretch exercise
Intervention type(s): Device; Other
Intervention description(s): FR is a dense foam cylinder that the person rolls before using the body weight to warm up and increase their ROM. There are different types that vary in size, shape and density.; Dynamic stretch includes controlled movements in the active ROM for a joint. This type of exercise is actually the basis of sports movements used in training or competition.
Other intervention name(s): Foam Roller
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: Double (Participant, Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Supportive Care
Keywords: Graston Technique®, Dynamic Stretching, Foam Roller, Jumping Performance, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization