Improving the quality of myofascial release research - A critical appraisal of systematic reviews.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION\nMyofascial release (MFR) is a form of manual therapy that involves the application of a low load, long duration stretch to the myofascial complex intended to restore optimal length, decrease pain and improve function. MFR is being used to treat patients with a wide variety of conditions, with favourable evidence supporting its efficacy. Critical appraisal of the recent research trials or reviews aims to improve the quality and reliability of future works in this field.\n\n\nOBJECTIVE\nThis work attempts to examine and categorize the strength and limitations of current MFR research by critically appraising recent systematic reviews (SRs) to synthesise recommendations for improving quality and reliability of future clinical trials.\n\n\nMETHODOLOGY\nSRs on MFR published until 2018 were selected for this analysis. The methodological qualities of the SRs were assessed by AMSTAR II tool.\n\n\nRESULTS\nThe SRs demonstrated moderate methodological quality. The overall confidence rating of the results of the review by AMSTAR II was low to moderate, mainly due to the omission of a risk of bias analysis in two of the reviews.\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nThis review concludes that the SRs analysed were completed with moderate methodological quality, but with procedural weaknesses and interpretation biases. The most recent review was qualitatively superior due to the inclusion of risk of bias analysis and effect size calculation. This critical appraisal and the derived recommendations can act as stepping stones on which high quality future MFR trials and evidence can be built.