Boni M1,2, Sanzo P3, Hynes L1, Almeter G2
1York University, School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Toronto, Canada, 2Andrews University, Physical Therapy, Berrien Springs, United States, 3Lakehead University, Kinesiology, Thunder Bay, Canada
Background: Cross friction massage is a technique applied transversely to soft tissue and has been reported to have a direct mechanical effect on muscle tissue including improved extensibility. Hypertonic skeletal muscle has an adverse effect on its ability to produce peak force. Normalizing the tone in a hypertonic muscle may increase the muscle's ability to generate peak force. No known studies have examined the effects of non-painful cross friction massage of the psoas muscle on hip flexor muscle strength.
Purpose: To determine the immediate effect of soft tissue mobilization (non-painful cross friction massage) of the psoas muscle on hip flexor strength in asymptomatic adults.
Methods: Thirty-four asymptomatic volunteers received non-painful cross friction massage of the psoas muscle of one limb. Volunteers were allocated either to a group with normal psoas muscle tone (control) or a group with increased psoas muscle tone (experimental). Participants and the investigator were blinded to the strength measures and the examiner was blinded to the intervention side. Average hip flexor strength was measured using a hand-held dynamometer prior to and shortly following the intervention.
Results: Hip flexor strength did not significantly improve after the application of cross friction massage between the group with normal psoas tone and the group with increased psoas tone (p=0.29). The interaction between time, limb and group also demonstrated no significance (p=0.39). Mean peak force of the hip flexor muscle was significantly different (p=0.01) between limbs with the right limb (40.17 ± 10.34 lbs) demonstrating higher peak force than the left (37.62 ± 9.56 lbs) in the group with normal tone during the pre-intervention timeframe.
Conclusion(s): The results suggest that the application of cross friction massage of the psoas muscle does not significantly affect hip flexion strength in the limbs of asymptomatic adults. However, limb side demonstrates a significant difference in average peak force with the right limb showing greater strength.
Implications: The clinician should thoroughly evaluate the state of muscle tonicity and must exercise caution when choosing to perform soft tissue mobilization of muscle. Future studies should include pathological populations to examine for any significant effects.
Keywords: Soft tissue mobilization, transverse friction massage, hip muscle strength
Funding acknowledgements: The research project was unfunded.
Purpose: To determine the immediate effect of soft tissue mobilization (non-painful cross friction massage) of the psoas muscle on hip flexor strength in asymptomatic adults.
Methods: Thirty-four asymptomatic volunteers received non-painful cross friction massage of the psoas muscle of one limb. Volunteers were allocated either to a group with normal psoas muscle tone (control) or a group with increased psoas muscle tone (experimental). Participants and the investigator were blinded to the strength measures and the examiner was blinded to the intervention side. Average hip flexor strength was measured using a hand-held dynamometer prior to and shortly following the intervention.
Results: Hip flexor strength did not significantly improve after the application of cross friction massage between the group with normal psoas tone and the group with increased psoas tone (p=0.29). The interaction between time, limb and group also demonstrated no significance (p=0.39). Mean peak force of the hip flexor muscle was significantly different (p=0.01) between limbs with the right limb (40.17 ± 10.34 lbs) demonstrating higher peak force than the left (37.62 ± 9.56 lbs) in the group with normal tone during the pre-intervention timeframe.
Conclusion(s): The results suggest that the application of cross friction massage of the psoas muscle does not significantly affect hip flexion strength in the limbs of asymptomatic adults. However, limb side demonstrates a significant difference in average peak force with the right limb showing greater strength.
Implications: The clinician should thoroughly evaluate the state of muscle tonicity and must exercise caution when choosing to perform soft tissue mobilization of muscle. Future studies should include pathological populations to examine for any significant effects.
Keywords: Soft tissue mobilization, transverse friction massage, hip muscle strength
Funding acknowledgements: The research project was unfunded.
Topic: Musculoskeletal: lower limb; Musculoskeletal: peripheral; Musculoskeletal
Ethics approval required: Yes
Institution: Andrews University
Ethics committee: Office of Research & Creative Scholarship Institutional Review Board
Ethics number: 17-006
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
