An Experimental Study to determine the Impact of Active Release Technique, Core Strengthening on Pain, Muscle Stiffness, Hardness and Quality of Life on Non- Specific Low Back Pain

Introduction: Active Release Technique (ART), works by releasing adhesions and repairing the integrity of soft tissue, thereby extending and restoring functional flexibility entirely. Core stabilization workout (CSE) aims to treat back pain by boosting your muscular strength and stamina, strengthening muscle motor patterns to relieve low-back pain. Aim: Aim of the study was to evaluate impact of active release technique and core strengthening on pain, mobility and quality of life on non-specific low-back pain. Study Design: Simple random convenient sampling, envelope method Place and Duration: A study of 40 people with non-specific low back pain and aging between 18 and 25 years was conducted at Musculoskeletal OPD, Ravi Nair Physiotherapy College, DMIMS(DU), Sawangi (Meghe), and Wardha in the duration of one year. Procedure: In this experimental investigation, the influence of active released and impacting non-specific low back pain on suffering, muscular soreness, hardness, strength, ODI, and quality of life was determined. Both groups received hot fomentation and core strengthening, but only the ART group was actively released. The findings have been obtained from NPRS to algometer, durometer, press biofeedback, ODI, and EQ-5D-5L in pre-treatment, post-treatment, and after four weeks of data to analysed impacts. Results: in this study both the groups showed reduction in pain, muscle tenderness, muscle hardness as well as increase in core strength and quality of life. When compared ART group shows significant improvement with p value of 0.001. Conclusion: In this study we find that the pain threshold, muscular hardness, muscle tenderness, deficiency and quality of life of both groups improved. The ART group was proven to be more effective than the Hpk group when the two groups were compared. In the two groups, the core strength did not change greatly, perhaps after four weeks, from pre- treatment to post- treatment to 4 weeks after.

Comparison between the Immediate Effects of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Active Release Technique in Individuals Wearing High Heels

Background: Wearing high heels regularly places muscle-tendon units (MTUs) in a shortened position. In this condition the length of the calf MTU (gastrocnemius-soleus) is reduced by the continuous ankle plantar flexion cause by the heel lift imposed by the high heels, which leads to concomitant inflexibility of these muscles. Tightness of these muscles inturns leads to formation of trigger points within the muscles. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is an approach to soft tissue manipulation that uses concave and convex stainless steel instruments to release scar tissue, break soft tissue adhesions, and remove fascial restrictions. Active Release Techniques, or ART, is a soft tissue treatment method that focuses on relieving tissue tension via the removal of fibrosis/adhesion that develops in tissue that is overloaded with repetitive use. Objective: To compare the immediate effect of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Active Release Technique for gastrosoleus muscle in individuals wearing high heels using VAS and active dorsiflexion using universal goniometer. Method: 30 subjects were selected as per inclusion and exclusion criteria and were randomly allocated into two groups of 15 each. Group A received Instrument Assisted soft tissue mobilization and Group B received Active Release Technique for Gastro-soleus muscle. Pre and Post intervention Dorsiflexion range of motion and VAS scores were analysed. Result: The statistical analyses showed that there is signification increase in dorsiflexion range of motion and significant reduction in pain in both the groups. (p<0.0001). However, inter group analysis showed that Group A is much more effective in improving the range of motion and reducing pain scores. Conclusion: The present study concluded that Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization is a better intervention for the release of trigger points as it shows greater increase in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and a significant pain reduction when compared to Active Release Technique. Key words: Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization(IASTM), Active Release Technique(ART), Range of Motion, pain, High Heels, Calf Muscles.

COMPREHENSIVE REHABILITATION OF A PATIENT WITH UPPER CROSSED SYNDROME

Background: In upper cross syndrome (UCS), weaker neck flexors, anterior and middle serratus and lower trapezius along with rhomboids usually develop, and stiffness of the levator scapulae, pectoralis major as well as upper trapezius are biomechanically adapted. Muscle imbalance is the primary cause for the upper cross syndrome between the tonic and phasic muscles. Individuals with upper cross syndrome may also exhibit any of the following issues text neck syndrome, round upper back, reduced thoracic spine mobility, winged scapulae. Active Release Technique (ART) helps to reduce discomfort and improve the range of movement. Also, Active Release Technique (ART) is a manual procedure which is also being used for other soft tissue rehabilitation as well as for the management of the scar tissues. UCS and neck pain is common with uncomfortable job postures as well as in stress and anxiety, due to which muscle dysfunction starts which can further followed by altered posture around the neck. Active Release Technique was also used earlier for muscle dysfunction and for scar tissue mobilization. Changes in musculature structure may exhibit chronic headaches among the patients of upper cross syndrome also unbalanced soft tissue near the neck may create barriers for the head’s range of motion (ROM). Patients complaints were pain, decreased job efficiency for which he was later diagnosed as a case of upper cross syndrome. The patient showed great co-operation during the treatment and now the patient is able to perform his job-related tasks without discomfort

ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUE AND ITS IMPACT ON NON-SPECIFIC LOW BACK PAIN

Non-specific low back pain (NLBP) or "simple backache" is characterized as an LBP not due to any identifiable disease such as nerve root pain and severe spinal pathologies such as infection, tumour, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, fracture or inflammation. Myofascial Trigger Points in skeletal muscles, identified with a hypersensitive palpable nodule or "knot" in the middle of the muscle belly, are described as hyperirritable. Active Release Technique (ART) is a non- invasive soft tissue restoration procedure that includes reducing the scar tissue that would induce discomfort, stiffness, muscle weakness and unusual pain like mechanical dysfunction of the myofascial and soft tissue. A 23 years old inert, after assisting in a lot surgery started with a low back pain which increased gradually. Activities like bending forward as well as backward, standing for long time, and unsupported sitting for long time which relieved on rest. She took paracetamol as the pain started, which relived her pain. In this case report, a 23 years old intern, who had non-specific low back pain was successfully rehabilitated and was able to resume her activities withing a few days which was followed for a month which was painless as well. ART proved helpful along with hot fomentation and core strengthening exercises to reduce her pain. In this case report, a 23 years old intern, who had non-specific low back pain was successfully rehabilitated and was able to resume her activities withing a few days which was followed for a month which was painless as well. ART proved helpful along with hot fomentation and core strengthening exercises to reduce her pain.

Muscle energy technique versus active release technique on motor functions in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome

Introduction Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common median nerve neuropathy, accounting for 90% of all neuropathies, with prevalence in the general UK adult population ranging from 7–16% and bilateral symptoms reported in more than 50% of all cases. The pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the median nerve compression and traction are thought to be complex. This study compared the effectiveness of muscle energy technique and active release technique in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Methods This study involved a total of 30 male and female patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, aged between 30 and 50 years. The patients were randomly assigned to two equal groups, group A and group B. Group A received muscle energy technique, and group B received active release technique. Results Independent one-tailed t-tests revealed that the intragroup comparisons showed statistically significant increases in pinch grip strength and motor nerve conduction velocity of the median nerve post-treatment in group A (P=0.001 and 0.0001 respectively), while in group B, there were statistically significant increases in pinch grip strength and motor nerve conduction velocity post-treatment (P=0.037 and 0.043 respectively). The intergroup comparisons showed statistically significant differences in favour of group A. Conclusions Because there was little significant difference between the two groups, this study concluded that both treatment techniques were effective in increasing median motor nerve conduction and hand grip strength. However, muscle energy technique increased motor nerve conduction velocity and pinch grip muscle strength more than active release technique.