Exercise Physiology
shima sharareh; Pantea Kianmeh
Abstract
Purpose: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition leading to muscle stiffness, spasticity, and reduced flexibility, particularly in the posterior chain muscles. Myofascial release (MFR), has shown promise in improving flexibility in various populations, but the cumulative effects of ...
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Purpose: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition leading to muscle stiffness, spasticity, and reduced flexibility, particularly in the posterior chain muscles. Myofascial release (MFR), has shown promise in improving flexibility in various populations, but the cumulative effects of increasing the number of sessions have not been well-studied in individuals with MS. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a six-week myofascial stretching training program on the flexibility of posterior chain muscles in individuals with MS, with a focus on evaluating the cumulative effects of increasing the number of sessions. Method: A total of 30 female participants with MS were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a group receiving myofascial stretching training twice per week (n=15), and a group receiving training four times per week (n=15). Flexibility of the posterior chain muscles was assessed using the Sit and Reach (S&R) test at baseline, after 6 weeks of the intervention. Results: The results showed a significant improvement in S&R scores in both intervention groups. The group receiving training four times per week demonstrated greater flexibility improvements than the group receiving training twice per week, suggesting a cumulative effect of increasing the number of sessions. Conclusion: A six-week myofascial stretching training program can effectively improve the flexibility of posterior chain muscles in individuals with MS. Increasing the frequency of sessions from twice per week to four times per week leads to greater cumulative improvements in flexibility. These findings have important implications for the design of rehabilitation programs targeting flexibility in individuals with MS.
Nafiseh Barjasteh-Asgari; Hashem Piri; Minoo Azizi-Ashraf; Rahman Sheikhhoseini
Abstract
Purpose: Muscle flexibility is a component of physical fitness. Using traditional tools in muscle length evaluation tests creates challenges. Therefore, the use of smartphones and health-related software as an alternative method has become widespread. This study aimed to investigate smartphones' intra- ...
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Purpose: Muscle flexibility is a component of physical fitness. Using traditional tools in muscle length evaluation tests creates challenges. Therefore, the use of smartphones and health-related software as an alternative method has become widespread. This study aimed to investigate smartphones' intra- and inter-rater reliability and validity for measuring hamstring muscle length. Method: In a blinded study design, two researchers measured hamstring flexibility through four types of tests on each of the 22 asymptomatic participants with a total of 44 lower limbs. The measurements were compared between the traditional goniometer method and the practical smartphone application method. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to evaluate the reliability of each smartphone measurement, and Bland-Altman analysis was used to check the measurement errors. The validity of the two methods was also investigated. Results: Intra- and inter-rater reliability (ICC≥0.8) were good to almost perfect. In intra-rater reliability, PSLR angle showed consistent imprecision; other tests were free of systematic error and measurement error. The inter-rater reliability revealed a constant error in the right leg's PKE angle. A good to excellent correlation (r = 0.817–0.699) was observed in all the measured values, indicating the two methods' validity. Conclusion: These findings support from intra- and inter-rater reliability and validity of both instruments when measuring hamstring muscle length.
