An experimental study investigating the immediate effects of a direct myofascial release technique on the gliding capacity of mature postsurgical scar tissue.
Item
- Title
- An experimental study investigating the immediate effects of a direct myofascial release technique on the gliding capacity of mature postsurgical scar tissue.
- Author(s)
- Maenhout, L
- Abstract
- Title An experimental study investigating the immediate effect of a direct myofascial release technique on the gliding capacity of mature postsurgical scar tissue. Background: Postsurgical scar tissue tends to restrict soft tissue gliding and may therefore be considered as an osteopathic lesion. With the rising incidence of surgery, the manual release of scar tissue could become increasingly relevant. The effectiveness and results of scar release techniques, however, remain to be explored. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess whether the single application of a direct MyoFascial Release (MFR) technique alters the gliding capacity of mature postsurgical scars in asymptomatic subjects, compared to a control group. Methods A direct MFR technique was applied for 3 minutes to 32 postsurgical scars. Scar Mobility Indices (SMI) and Scar Adherence Ratios (SAR) – two values reflecting scar gliding capacity – were derived from adheremeter measurements before and after intervention and compared to data gathered from a control group (n=33), in which scars were not subjected to any intervention. SMI and SAR data were analysed within and between groups, using Wilcoxon and Mann Whitney U tests respectively. Results: Within group analysis of SMI and SAR showed an increase in gliding capacity following both treatment modalities. Comparison between groups demonstrated a larger, statistically significant increase in tissue gliding (p<0.0001 and p=0.0069 for SMI and SAR respectively) after the control procedure. Effect sizes were 1.09 for SMI and 0.17 for SAR. Conclusion:The single application of MFR did not increase the gliding capacity of postsurgical scars. Relative to the control group, however, the intervention demonstrated a restrictive effect on scar tissue, thus altering its viscoelastic properties. Although further research is required, this study concludes that MFR can establish change in scar behaviour. Searching terms: Manual therapy, cicatrix, MyoFascial Release, soft tissue techniques, scar tissue, osteopathic manipulation
- presented at
- European School of Osteopathy
- Date Accepted
- 2014
- Date Submitted
- 20.1.2015 16:43:40
- Type
- osteo_thesis
- Language
- English
- Submitted by:
- 62
- Pub-Identifier
- 15507
- Inst-Identifier
- 1229
- Keywords
- Scars, Adheremeter, Myofascial release.
- Recommended
- 0
- Item sets
- Thesis
Maenhout, L, “An experimental study investigating the immediate effects of a direct myofascial release technique on the gliding capacity of mature postsurgical scar tissue.”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed May 6, 2024, https://www.osteopathic-research.com/s/orw/item/657