Effect of fascial Manipulation® on reaction time.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the effects of fascial manipulation (FM) on muscle force and electrical activity. METHODS: Sixty healthy adult participants were randomly assigned to the FM intervention group (FM group; n = 20), static stretching intervention group (SS group; n = 20), and control group (C group; n = 20). The FM group underwent FM for the right brachial fascia (antecubitus) for 210 s. The SS group underwent static stretching of the right biceps brachii for 210 s. The C group was supine for 210 s. Participants were asked to flex the right elbow joint as quickly as possible after a light signal appeared during three sessions (before, immediately after, and 1 week after the intervention). During each session, the muscle activity of the right biceps brachii and bending force of the right elbow joint were measured. We calculated the reaction time (RT), pre-motor time (PMT), motor time (MT), time to peak force (TPF), and time to peak activity (TPA) from these measurements. RESULTS: The RT, MT, TPA, and TPF of the FM group were significantly shorter immediately after or 1 week after the intervention compared with those before the intervention. The RT, MT, TPA, and TPF of the FM group were significantly shorter than those of the SS group or C group immediately after or 1 week after the intervention. CONCLUSION: FM improved RT, MT, TPA, and TPA, and the effects lasted for 1 week. Both mechanical and neurological factors may contribute to improvements in motor performance after FM.