RESUMEN
Background: There are many therapeutic methods targeting fascia. However, the only method whose basic assumption is to eliminate the densification of fascia is Fascial Manipulation. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of various Fascial Manipulation (FM) protocols in reducing myofascial pain. Design: Randomized control trial. Subjects: A total of 54 individuals, aged 18-29 years, with musculoskeletal pain for at least 1 week. Methods: The patients were divided into four groups subjected to different treatment protocols: group 1-underwent the standard FM treatment protocol (STP), group 2-modified protocol (MTP), group 3-modified protocol 2 (MTP2), and the control group (CG)-did not undergo any therapy. Each protocol involved three treatments at intervals of 7-10 days and a follow-up examination after 30 days. The outcome was pain level measured using the VAS. Results: In the STP, all the measurements showed a significant decrease in pain level-the mean difference was 2.077 after the first treatment, 3.462 after the third treatment and 3.385 in the follow-up. In the MTP, a significant mean difference was noted after the third treatment, 3, and in the follow up, 2.4. In the MTP2, it was noted after the third session, 2, and in the follow up, 2.25. Only the CG group did not display significant changes. Conclusions: FM-based therapy results in pain relief. However, there are differences in the dynamics and durability of the results depending on the chosen protocol.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Over the last few years, various concepts of applying core stabilization mechanisms in the formation of human motor function have come to existence. The objective of the research was to assess the influence of two types of core stability training on deep abdominal muscle thickness and on global trunk mobility. METHODS: The study involved 108 individuals divided into 3 groups: LT (local training), performing the stability training based on locally isolated work of the transversus abdominis muscle; GT (global training), performing the training based on global movement patterns; and CG (control group), who did not undergo the training. The workout programs comprised 4 weeks of the exercise, 4 times a week. The measurement of the observed muscle thickness was carried out by means of ultrasound imaging. Trunk mobility was evaluated based on the toe-touch test, as well as the measurement of lateral flexion ranges. All the measurements were performed before the workout programs, right after finishing and 2 weeks after the end of the training cycle. RESULTS: Both training concepts have an impact on deep abdominal muscle thickness; however, in the LT group, significant improvement was noted with regard to the transversus abdominis, whereas in the GT group the improvement concerned the external oblique muscle. Both training methods also improved trunk mobility in the sagittal and frontal plane. CONCLUSIONS: The results we have obtained imply that both concepts of core stability training affect the human body at a structural as well as functional level. The application of the described training methods may not only provide measurable benefits in the field of clinical physiotherapy, for instance in the treatment of spine-related back pain, but also in motor training designed to improve athletes' performance and to minimize the risk of injury.
