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Aiguade R.1, Moure L.1, Fuente A.2
1University of Lleida, Department of Physical Therapy, Lleida, Spain, 2Univeristy of Girona - University of Barcelona, EUSES School of Physiotherapy, Bellvitge Campus, Barcelona, Spain
Background: Diacutaneous fibrolysis technique was originally developed in the pursue of its mechanical effects for the restoration of normal gliding between the various layers of body tissue. Some authors have pointed out circulatory and reflex effects, as well as efficacy in increasing range of motion. So far, very few rigorous, scientific papers have been published. However, a great number of publications arise from the academic world, which clearly indicates a new trend in physiotherapy manual treatments.
Purpose: The main objective was to compile all published scientific information available on-line, covering diacutaneous fibrolysis as a therapeutic approach. Given the fact that indexed literature on the topic is extremely scarce, we widened up the search and included less rigorous publications and non-indexed data bases.
Secondary objectives included organising the studies, both according to their scientific value and to type of pathology being treated.
Secondary objectives included organising the studies, both according to their scientific value and to type of pathology being treated.
Methods: An extensive on-line search on indexed data-bases was conducted, using key words and boolean operators. Data bases included: PubMed, Cochrane, SciELO, PEDro. Additional searches were done on Mendeley, Google Scholar, Tesis en red and Google. All bibliography on the topic that was referenced by study authors was also revised. Research on animals was disregarded.
Results: The undertaken search offered these results:
5 research papers found in indexed data bases; 24 papers found by an open search on the internet, corresponding to journal-published articles; 62 titles originating from universities world-wide (4 Doctorate programs, 19 post-graduate projects, and 39 undergraduate projects), Brazil being the most prolific issuing country; 14 articles left as unclassified; 7 books or book-like publications.
Research found dealt primarily with improvement of mobility and pain, both due to scarring processes or tightness of soft tissues. Body areas most frequently treated were: the shoulder, the thoracolumbar fascia, the plantar fascia and muscles in the calf.
Conclusion(s): Universities are showing increasing interest in teaching and researching about diacutaneous fibrolysis, and the latter is also growing in popularity amongst professionals both in practice and in professional conferences.
There is little scientific evidence. More high-quality studies are needed in order to determine the indications, reliability, security and dossage of this physiotherapy technique.
Low quality research indicates that diacutaneous fibrolysis might be effective in the treatment of range of motion deficiencies due to muscle tightness or scarring.
Implications: This literature review compiles, within one single document, all of the information currently available on diacutaneous fibrolysis technique, which should facilitate the task of future researchers on the topic. The review should also prove helpful for educators. Finally, having access to a complete reference guide will greatly facilitate access to information for all individuals.
Funding acknowledgements: This work was funded by the University of Lleida, Spain.
Topic: Musculoskeletal
Ethics approval: This study focused on reviewing literature. Given its nature, no ethics approval was required.
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
