scholarly journals Sex Differences in the Mechanical and Neurophysiological Response to Roller Massage of the Plantar Flexors

2021 ◽  
pp. 665-671
Author(s):  
Masatoshi Nakamura ◽  
Andreas Konrad ◽  
Kiyono Ryosuke ◽  
Shigeru Sato ◽  
Kaoru Yahata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elastic Modulus ◽  
Passive Stiffness ◽  
Tissue Stiffness ◽  
Plantar Flexors ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Shear Elastic Modulus ◽  
Passive Torque ◽  
Pressure Threshold ◽  
Pain Pressure Threshold ◽  
Spinal Excitability

Self-massage using foam rollers, sticks, or balls has become a popular technique to enhance joint range of motion (ROM). Although increases are reported to be larger in females than males, the mechanisms of this observation are unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of roller massage (RM) on ROM, passive tissue stiffness, and neurophysiological markers as a function of sex. Males (n = 15, 22.8 ± 2.9 yrs.) and females (n = 14, 21.1 ± 0.7 yrs.) performed three 60-second bouts of calf RM. Outcomes assessed pre-, and post-intervention included passive dorsiflexion (DF) ROM, passive tissue stiffness, passive torque, DF angle at the first stretch sensation, shear elastic modulus, and spinal excitability. DF ROM (+35.9 %), passive torque at DF ROM (+46.4 %), DF angle at first stretch sensation (+32.9 %), and pain pressure threshold (+25.2 %) increased in both groups (p<.05) with no differences between males and females (p > 0.05). No changes were observed for passive stiffness, shear elastic modulus, and spinal excitability (p > 0.05). Roller massage may increase ROM independently of sex, which, in the present study, could not be ascribed to alterations in passive stiffness or neurophysiological markers. Future studies may further elucidate the role of sensory alterations as possible factors driving RM-induced changes in flexibility.

scholarly journals Local and Non-local Effects of Foam Rolling on Passive Soft Tissue Properties and Spinal Excitability

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masatoshi Nakamura ◽  
Andreas Konrad ◽  
Ryosuke Kiyono ◽  
Shigeru Sato ◽  
Kaoru Yahata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elastic Modulus ◽  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Plantar Flexors ◽  
Tissue Properties ◽  
Foam Rolling ◽  
Shear Elastic Modulus ◽  
Body Regions ◽  
Passive Torque ◽  
Spinal Excitability

In sports and clinical settings, roller massage (RM) interventions are used to acutely increase range of motion (ROM); however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Apart from changes in soft tissue properties (i.e., reduced passive stiffness), neurophysiological alterations such as decreased spinal excitability have been described. However, to date, no study has investigated both jointly. The purpose of this trial was to examine RM’s effects on neurophysiological markers and passive tissue properties of the plantar flexors in the treated (ROLL) and non-treated (NO-ROLL) leg. Fifteen healthy individuals (23 ± 3 years, eight females) performed three unilateral 60-s bouts of calf RM. This procedure was repeated four times on separate days to allow independent assessments of the following outcomes without reciprocal interactions: dorsiflexion ROM, passive torque during passive dorsiflexion, shear elastic modulus of the medial gastrocnemius muscle, and spinal excitability. Following RM, dorsiflexion ROM increased in both ROLL (+19.7%) and NO-ROLL (+13.9%). Similarly, also passive torque at dorsiflexion ROM increased in ROLL (+15.0%) and NO-ROLL (+15.2%). However, there were no significant changes in shear elastic modulus and spinal excitability (p &gt; 0.05). Moreover, significant correlations were observed between the changes in DF ROM and passive torque at DF ROM in both ROLL and NO-ROLL. Changes in ROM after RM appear to be the result of sensory changes (e.g., passive torque at DF ROM), affecting both rolled and non-rolled body regions. Thus, therapists and exercise professionals may consider applying remote treatments if local loading is contraindicated.

scholarly journals Roller massage decreases spinal excitability to the soleus

2018 ◽  
Vol 124 (4) ◽  
pp. 950-959 ◽  
Author(s):  
James D. Young ◽  
Alyssa-Joy Spence ◽  
David G. Behm
Keyword(s):  
High Intensity ◽  
Pain Perception ◽  
H Reflex ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Plantar Flexors ◽  
M Wave ◽  
Neural Modulation ◽  
Pressure Threshold ◽  
Pain Pressure Threshold ◽  
Spinal Excitability

Roller massage (RM) interventions have shown acute increases in range of motion (ROM) and pain pressure threshold (PPT). It is unclear whether the RM-induced increases can be attributed to changes in neural or muscle responses. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of altered afferent input via application of RM on spinal excitability, as measured with the Hoffmann (H-) reflex. A randomized within-subjects design was used. Three 30-s bouts of RM were implemented on a rested, nonexercised, injury-free muscle with 30 s of rest between bouts. The researcher applied RM to the plantar flexors at three intensities of pain: high, moderate, and sham. Measures included normalized M-wave and H-reflex peak-to-peak amplitudes before, during, and up to 3 min postintervention. M-wave and H-reflex measures were highly reliable. RM resulted in significant decreases in soleus H-reflex amplitudes. High-intensity, moderate-intensity, and sham conditions decreased soleus H-reflex amplitudes by 58%, 43%, and 19%, respectively. H-reflexes induced with high-intensity rolling discomfort or pain were significantly lower than moderate and sham conditions. The effects were transient in nature, with an immediate return to baseline following RM. This is the first evidence of RM-induced modulation of spinal excitability. The intensity-dependent response observed indicates that rolling pressure or pain perception may play a role in modulation of the inhibition. Roller massage-induced neural modulation of spinal excitability may explain previously reported increases in ROM and PPT. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Recent evidence indicates that the benefits of foam rolling and roller massage are primarily accrued through neural mechanisms. The present study attempts to determine the neuromuscular response to roller massage interventions. We provide strong evidence of roller massage-induced neural modulation of spinal excitability to the soleus. It is plausible that reflex inhibition may explain subsequent increases in pain pressure threshold.

scholarly journals Effects of Static Stretching With High-Intensity and Short-Duration or Low-Intensity and Long-Duration on Range of Motion and Muscle Stiffness

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taizan Fukaya ◽  
Ryosuke Kiyono ◽  
Shigeru Sato ◽  
Kaoru Yahata ◽  
Koki Yasaka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elastic Modulus ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Short Duration ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Muscle Stiffness ◽  
Static Stretching ◽  
Low Intensity ◽  
Shear Elastic Modulus ◽  
Passive Torque ◽  
Long Duration

This study investigated the effects of static stretching (SS) delivered with the same load but using two protocols – high-intensity and short-duration and low-intensity and long-duration – on range of motion (ROM) and muscle stiffness. A total of 18 healthy students participated in the study. They randomly performed high-intensity and short-duration (120% and 100 s) or low-intensity and long-duration (50% and 240 s) SS. Outcomes were assessed on ROM, passive torque at dorsiflexion ROM, and shear elastic modulus of the medial gastrocnemius before and after static stretching. The results showed that ROM increased significantly at post-stretching compared to that at pre-stretching in both high-intensity and short-duration [+6.1° ± 4.6° (Δ25.7 ± 19.9%)] and low-intensity and long-duration [+3.6° ± 2.3° (Δ16.0 ± 11.8%)]. Also, the ROM was significantly higher at post-stretching in high-intensity and short-duration conditions than that in low-intensity and long-duration. The passive torque at dorsiflexion ROM was significantly increased in both high-intensity and short-duration [+5.8 ± 12.8 Nm (Δ22.9 ± 40.5%)] and low-intensity and long-duration [+2.1 ± 3.4 Nm (Δ6.9 ± 10.8%)] conditions, but no significant differences were observed between both conditions. The shear elastic modulus was significantly decreased in both high-intensity and short-duration [−8.8 ± 6.1 kPa (Δ − 38.8 ± 14.5%)] and low-intensity and long-duration [−8.0 ± 12.8 kPa (Δ − 22.2 ± 33.8%)] conditions. Moreover, the relative change in shear elastic modulus in the high-intensity and short-duration SS was significantly greater than that in low-intensity and long-duration SS. Our results suggest that a higher intensity of the static stretching should be conducted to increase ROM and decrease muscle stiffness, even for a short time.

scholarly journals The Associations between Rapid Strength Development and Muscle Stiffness in Older Population

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 80
Author(s):  
Masatoshi Nakamura ◽  
Ryosuke Kiyono ◽  
Shigeru Sato ◽  
Kaoru Yahata ◽  
Taizan Fukaya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elastic Modulus ◽  
Gastrocnemius Muscle ◽  
Shear Wave Elastography ◽  
Muscle Stiffness ◽  
Rate Of Force Development ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Plantar Flexors ◽  
Force Development ◽  
Shear Elastic Modulus ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius Muscle

Background: Previous studies suggest that the capacity for rapid force production of ankle plantar flexors is essential for the prevention of falls in the elderly. In healthy young adults, there were significant associations between rate of force development and muscle stiffness measured by shear wave elastography. However, there has been no study investigating the association of rate of force development with shear elastic modulus in older adults. Methods: The muscle strength and shear elastic modulus of the medial gastrocnemius muscle in both legs were measured in 17 elderly men and 10 elderly women (mean ± SD; 70.7 ± 4.1 years; 160.6 ± 8.0 cm; 58.7 ± 9.5 kg). We investigated the rate of force development of plantar flexors and shear elastic modulus of medial gastrocnemius muscle using by shear wave elastography. Results: Our results showed that there were no significant associations between normalized rate of force development and shear elastic modulus of medial gastrocnemius muscle. Conclusion: This suggests that the capacity of rapid force production could be related not to muscle stiffness of the medial gastrocnemius muscle, but to neuromuscular function in older individuals.

scholarly journals Association between the Range of Motion and Passive Property of the Gastrocnemius Muscle–Tendon Unit in Older Population

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 314
Author(s):  
Masatoshi Nakamura ◽  
Shigeru Sato ◽  
Ryosuke Kiyono ◽  
Kaoru Yahata ◽  
Riku Yoshida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elastic Modulus ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Gastrocnemius Muscle ◽  
Ankle Dorsiflexion ◽  
Muscle Stiffness ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Shear Elastic Modulus ◽  
Passive Torque ◽  
Passive Muscle ◽  
Passive Muscle Stiffness

Range of motion has been widely known to decrease with age; however, factors associated with its decrease in the elderly population and especially its gender difference have been unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the factors associated with ankle dorsiflexion range of motion in the older population. Both male (n = 17, mean ± SD; 70.5 ± 4.2 years; 165.4 ± 5.3 cm; 63.8 ± 7.7 kg) and female (n = 25, 74.0 ± 4.0 years; 151.2 ± 4.9 cm; 50.1 ± 5.6 kg) community-dwelling older adults participated in this study. The ankle dorsiflexion and passive torque of both legs were measured using a dynamometer, and shear elastic modulus of the medial gastrocnemius muscle at 0° ankle angle was measured using ultrasonic shear wave elastography. In this study, we defined the passive torque at dorsiflexion range of motion (DF ROM) as the index of stretch tolerance, and shear elastic modulus as the index of passive muscle stiffness. The partial correlation coefficient adjusted by age, height, weight, and side (dominant or nondominant side) was used to analyze the relationship between DF ROM and passive torque at DF ROM or shear elastic modulus of MG in each male and female participant, respectively. Our results revealed that dorsiflexion range of motion was significantly associated with passive torque at dorsiflexion range of motion in both male (r = 0.455, p = 0.012) and female (r = 0.486, p < 0.01), but not with shear elastic modulus in both male (r = −0.123, p = 0.519) and female (r = 0.019, p = 0.898). Our results suggested that the ankle dorsiflexion range of motion could be related to the stretch tolerance, but not to passive muscle stiffness in community-dwelling elderly population regardless of gender.

scholarly journals Comparative study of post-intervention soreness between dry needling and percutaneus needle electrolysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 02 (02) ◽  
pp. 064-064
Author(s):  
Ciórraga López JL ◽  
Vega Moreu P.
Keyword(s):  
Trigger Point ◽  
Trigger Points ◽  
Dry Needling ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Time Interaction ◽  
Visual Analog Scales ◽  
Pressure Threshold ◽  
Extensor Muscles ◽  
Pain Pressure Threshold ◽  
Group B

Abstract Aims The aim of this research was to study the appearance of soreness after dry needling (DN) and percutaneous needle electrolysis (PNE) in latent trigger points of the extensor muscle of the posterior forearm region. Material and Methods A pre-test/post-test pilot study was performed, in which 15 volunteers with latent trigger points in the extensor muscles of the posterior forearm region were randomly distributed into a group A who received treatment with DN and a group B who received treatment with PNE. Before and after the intervention, algometry measurements were performed at the site where the trigger point was found, and, after the intervention the patient was asked to complete two visual analog scales (VAS) to evaluate pain during the intervention and a second scale to measure pain once the needle had been removed. In addition, the same scale was performed after 24 hours, 72 hours, and 1 week after the dry needling. The statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS program version 24.0, evaluating the normality of the variables using the Shapiro-Wilk test, as the sample was less than 50 subjects. P values of > 0.05 were considered normal. Results The ANOVA revealed a significant effect for time on the decrease of the VAS scores, both in the groups of dry needling (P < 0.001), as well as in the group of PNE (P < 0.001). In contrast, a group-time interaction was not observed (P = 0.824), ruling out statistically significant differences between the DN group and the PNE group. The Student's t-test showed a significantly decreased pain pressure threshold between the pre and post algometry, both in the group of DN (P < 0.001) and the group of PNE (P < 0.003). However, no statistically significant differences were found between both groups in pre and post algometry (P = 0.457). Conclusion All patients presented post-needling soreness, without significant differences between DN and PNE interventions. The most intense pain was registered minutes after the dry needling, which then decreased without significant differences, reaching 0 after 72 hours, in most cases. Neither of the two techniques caused increased pain in response to pressure in a significantly different manner. No relationship was observed between a greater number of LTRs and post-needling pain. There was a correlation between pain experienced during the intervention and pain 24 hours after the needling. The levels of post-intervention pain secondary to the application of DN and PNE in latent trigger points of the extensor muscles of the posterior forearm region did not present significant differences among study subjects in both intervention groups.

scholarly journals Acute Effect of Vibration Roller With and Without Rolling on Various Parts of the Plantar Flexor Muscle

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masatoshi Nakamura ◽  
Shigeru Sato ◽  
Ryosuke Kiyono ◽  
Riku Yoshida ◽  
Yuta Murakami ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elastic Modulus ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Athletic Performance ◽  
Muscle Stiffness ◽  
Plantar Flexor ◽  
Flexor Muscle ◽  
Jump Performance ◽  
Muscle Belly ◽  
Shear Elastic Modulus ◽  
Passive Torque

A single use of a vibration foam roller likely increases the range of motion (ROM) without decreasing muscle strength and athletic performance. However, to date, no study compared the effects of a vibration roller with and without rolling on various parts of the plantar flexor muscle. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of the vibration foam roller with rolling or without rolling at the muscle-tendon junction (MTJ) or the muscle belly on dorsiflexion (DF) ROM, passive torque at DF ROM, shear elastic modulus, muscle strength, and jump performance. Fifteen healthy young males performed the following three conditions: (1) vibration rolling over the whole muscle-tendon unit, (2) static vibration on muscle belly, and (3) static vibration on MTJ for three-set 60-s vibration in random order. In this study, DF ROM, passive torque, shear elastic modulus, muscle strength, and single-leg drop jump were measured before and immediately after the interventions. The DF ROM and passive torque at DF ROM were increased after all three conditions, whereas the shear elastic modulus was decreased after vibration rolling and static vibration on the muscle belly, but not following static vibration of the MTJ. In addition, there were no significant changes in muscle strength and jump performance in any group. Our results showed that vibration with rolling or static vibration on muscle belly could be effective to improve ROM and muscle stiffness without adverse effects of muscle strength and athletic performance.

scholarly journals Effect of Static Stretching with Superficial Cooling on Muscle Stiffness

2018 ◽  
Vol 02 (05) ◽  
pp. E142-E147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masatoshi Nakamura ◽  
Ryo Hirabayashi ◽  
Shuhei Ohya ◽  
Takafumi Aoki ◽  
Daichi Suzuki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elastic Modulus ◽  
Random Order ◽  
Acute Effect ◽  
Muscle Stiffness ◽  
Cooling Condition ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Static Stretching ◽  
Shear Elastic Modulus ◽  
And Control ◽  
Healthy Males

AbstractThis study aimed to clarify the acute effect of static stretching (SS) with superficial cooling on dorsiflexion range of motion (DF ROM) and muscle stiffness. Sixteen healthy males participated in the cooling condition and a control condition in a random order. The DF ROM and the shear elastic modulus of medial gastrocnemius (MG) in the dominant leg were measured during passive dorsiflexion. All measurements were performed prior to (PRE) and immediately after 20 min of cooling or rested for 20 min (POST), followed by 2 min SS (POST SS). In cooling condition, DF ROM at POST and POST SS were significantly higher than that at PRE and DF ROM at POST SS was significantly higher than that at POST. In addition, the shear elastic modulus at POST was significantly higher than that at PRE and the shear elastic modulus at POST SS was significantly lower than those at PRE and POST. However, there were no significant differences in the percentage changes between PRE and POST SS between the cooling and control conditions. Our results showed that effects of SS with superficial cooling on increases in ROM and decrease in muscle stiffness were no more beneficial than those of SS alone.

scholarly journals Post-Operative Assessment of Ulnar Nerve Tension Using Shear-Wave Elastography

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 469-476
Author(s):  
Sebastien Durand ◽  
Wassim Raffoul ◽  
Thierry Christen ◽  
Nadine Pedrazzi
Keyword(s):  
Elastic Modulus ◽  
Shear Wave ◽  
Ulnar Nerve ◽  
Shear Wave Elastography ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Ulnar Nerve Compression ◽  
Nerve Decompression ◽  
Shear Elastic Modulus ◽  
Anterior Transposition ◽  
Operative Assessment

Background: Ulnar nerve compression at the elbow level is the second-most common entrapment neuropathy. The aim of this study was to use shear-wave elastography for the quantification of ulnar nerve elasticity in patients after ulnar nerve decompression with anterior transposition and in the contralateral non-operative side. Method: Eleven patients with confirmed diagnosis and ulnar nerve decompression with anterior transposition were included and examinations were performed on an AixplorerTM ultrasound system (Supersonic Imagine, Aix-en-Provence, France). Results: We observed significant differences at 0-degree (p < 0.001), 45-degree (p < 0.05), 90-degree (p < 0.01) and 120-degree (p < 0.001) elbow flexion in the shear elastic modulus of the ulnar nerve in the operative and non-operative sides. There were no statistically significant differences between the elasticity values of the ulnar nerve after transposition at 0-degree elbow flexion and in the non-operative side at 120-degree elbow flexion (p = 0.39), or in the ulnar nerve after transposition at 120-degree elbow flexion and in the non-operative side at 0-degree elbow flexion (p = 0.09). Conclusion: Shear-wave elastography has the potential to be used postoperatively as a method for assessing nerve tension noninvasively by the estimation of mechanical properties, such as the shear elastic modulus.

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