| Exploring the Efficacy of Massage and Self-Release Techniques in Enhancing Upper Extremity Function Among Women with Myofascial Pain Syndrome |
| Paper ID : 1020-SPORTCONGRESS |
| Authors |
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Fariborz hovanloo1, Sara Matinfard *2 1Associate Professor, Health and Sports Rehabilitation Department, Physical Education and Sport Science Faculty, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran 2Department of sport injuries and corrective exercise, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Shahid Beheshti, Tehran |
| Abstract |
| Myofascial pain syndrome is one of the most common pain disorders (1), caused by the presence of painful trigger points in the fascia muscle fibers (2). Beyond the issues of pain and sensitivity in the affected area, the impact of this disorder on the quality of individuals' performance and their quality of participation in society is important (3). Therefore, this study aims to compare two popular methods—myofascial self-release and massage—to identify the most effective approach in reducing the complications associated with trigger points in women with myofascial pain syndrome. Methods: 45 women with active TPs in the trapezius muscle who met the study's inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to three groups (two experimental groups: massage and self-release, and one control group). Initially, during the pre-test phase, participants completed the DASH questionnaire (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand). Then, the participants in the experimental groups underwent their respective interventions for five days. Finally, in the post-test phase, the questionnaire was completed again. Results: The results of the ANCOVA test indicated that after controlling for the pre-test effect, there were statistically significant differences in the adjusted mean hand and shoulder performance among the women in the research groups (η² = 0.57, F(2, 41) = 27.82, P < 0.001). The results of the paired t-test showed that both massage (P < 0.001) and myofascial release significantly increased the mean hand and shoulder performance within the groups (P = 0.00). Conclusion: The results of the present study indicated that both interventions in the experimental group can effectively improve the quality of hand and shoulder performance in women with myofascial pain syndrome and active trigger points in the trapezius muscle. Specialists can choose one of these methods based on the available resources to reduce this side effect. |
| Keywords |
| Myofascial Pain Syndrome, Trigger Points, Massage, Myofascial Self-Release |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
