The Influence of Self-Myofascial Release on Muscle Flexibility in Long-Distance Runners

During long-distance running, athletes are exposed to repetitive loads. Myofascial structures are liable to long-term work, which may cause cumulating tension within them. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute effect of self-myofascial release on muscle flexibility in long-distance runners. The study comprised 62 long-distance, recreationally running participants between the age of 20 and 45 years. The runners were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 (n = 32), in which subjects applied the self-myofascial release technique between baseline and the second measurement of muscle flexibility, and Group 2 (n = 30), without any intervention. The self-myofascial release technique was performed according to standardized foam rolling. Assessment of muscle flexibility was conducted according to Chaitow’s proposal. After application of the self-myofascial release technique, higher values were noted for the measurements of the following muscles: piriformis, tensor fasciae latae muscles and adductor muscles. Within the iliopsoas and rectus femoris muscles, lower values were observed in the second measurement. These changes were statistically significant (p < 0.05) within the majority of muscles. All these outcomes indicate improvement related to larger muscle flexibility and also, an increase in range of motion. In the control group (Group 2), significant improvement was observed only in measurements for the iliopsoas muscles. The single application of self-myofascial release techniques with foam rollers may significantly improve muscle flexibility in long-distance runners. Based on these results, the authors recommend the self-myofascial release technique with foam rollers be incorporated in the daily training routine of long-distance runners, as well as athletes of other sport disciplines

Impact of Short Foot Muscle Exercises on Quality of Movement and Flexibility in Amateur Runners

The flexibility and proper functioning of all myofascial chains are crucial for athletes, especially for long-distance runners. Due to the continuity of the myofascial structures, restrictions in one part of the body may cause excessive tension in others. The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of short foot muscle exercises on muscle flexibility and the quality of movement patterns in amateur runners. Eighty long-distance runners, aged 20–45, were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 (n = 48) and Group 2 (n = 32). Participants in Group 1 performed foot exercises daily for six weeks. Subjects in Group 2 were without any intervention. At baseline and after six weeks, the quality of movement patterns with the Functional Movement Screen and muscle flexibility was evaluated. In Group 1, significantly higher Functional Movement Screen values in individual tasks and in the total score were noted after six weeks. The total score increased from 17 to 18 points (Median (Me) ± half of interquartile range (IQR/2) (Standard Error of Measurement - SEM) 17 ± 1.5 (0.23) at baseline and 18 ± 1.5 (0.24) after six weeks) (p < 0.01), whereas in Group 2, its level remained at 16 points (Me ± IQR/2 (SEM) 16 ± 1.5 (0.31) at baseline and 16 ± 1.25 (0.31) after six weeks). In Group 1, the significant improvement in muscle flexibility was noted (e.g., results for external rotation muscles: (Mean ± SD (SEM) 60.3 ± 0.4 (1.50) at baseline and 62.4 ± 10.3 (1.49) after six weeks) (p = 0.005). In Group 2, significant improvement was observed only for one task in the Active straight leg raise test (p = 0.005 and 0.02). During the measurement of external rotation muscles, a significant decrease in flexibility was observed (Mean ± SD (SEM) 60.1 ± 9.0 (1.60) at baseline and 58.0 ± 8.5 (1.51) after six weeks) (p = 0.001). Plantar short foot muscle exercises may improve muscle flexibility in the upper parts of the body within myofascial chains and influence the quality of fundamental movement patterns. Such exercises may be beneficial for all physically active people and can be performed as part of overall fitness programmes. Moreover, including such exercises in daily training routines of long-distance runners, as well as by athletes in other sport disciplines is also recommended

The Reliability of Pelvic Floor Muscle Bioelectrical Activity (sEMG) Assessment Using a Multi-Activity Measurement Protocol in Young Women

The aim of the study was to determine the between-trial and between-day reliability of the Glazer protocol and our multi-activity surface electromyography (sEMG) measurement protocol for pelvic floor muscle (PFM) evaluation. The bioelectrical activity of PFM was collected using an endovaginal electrode in 30 young, Caucasian, nulliparous women (age 22–27, 168.6 ± 5.1 cm, 57.1 ± 11.8 kg). The between-trial and between-day reliability of the original Glazer protocol and the new multi-activity sEMG protocol were assessed during the following phases: pre-baseline rest, phasic (flick) contractions, tonic contractions, endurance contraction, and post-baseline rest. The Glazer protocol was characterized by poor and moderate measurement reliability. The time-domain parameters for the rise and fall of the signal amplitude and median frequency showed poor between-trial and between-day reliability. The mean and peak amplitudes indicated mainly good between-trial and moderate between-days reliability. Our protocol showed moderate to excellent reliability of both time-domain and quantitative parameters of muscle recruitment. In our protocol, the frequency-domain parameters describing muscle fatigue demonstrated much higher reliability than in the case of the Glazer protocol. The most important information obtained in this study was the significant improvement of diagnostic validity in PFM bioelectrical activity evaluation. The higher reliability of our sEMG protocol compared to original Glazer protocol allowed us to suggest that protocol modifications and changes in sEMG signal processing methods were effective in the improvement of PFM assessment quality. The new parameters calculated from the sEMG signal proposed in our sEMG protocol allowed us to obtain additional clinically important information about PFM dysfunctions regarding specific deficits of muscle contraction such as decrease in muscle strength; endurance or coordination related to, e.g., stress urinary incontinence; or pelvic floor muscle imbalance after childbirth

Libro de Actas de las III Jornadas ScienCity 2020: Fomento de la Cultura Científica, Tecnológica y de Innovación en Ciudades Inteligentes

Editorial: Kindle Direct Publishing, Seattle, WS (USA)Actualmente, nuestras ciudades están experimentando una verdadera transformación digital que requiere una atención inmediata en energía, transporte, movilidad, comunicación, seguridad, educación, turismo y aspectos sociales, así como fomentar todas aquellas actuaciones que persigan mejorar la calidad de vida y el desarrollo económico-ambiental sostenible. ScienCity es un foro científico-tecnológico que pretende dar a conocer a la sociedad los conocimientos y tecnologías emergentes siendo investigados en las universidades, informar de experiencias, servicios e iniciativas puestas ya en marcha por instituciones y empresas, llegar hasta decisores políticos que podrían crear sinergias, incentivar la creación de ideas y posibilidades de desarrollo conjuntas, implicar y provocar la participación ciudadana.Junta de Andalucía, Universidad de Huelva y Consejo Social de la Universidad de Huelv