Craig Elder

Myofascial Release as a Treatment for Orthopaedic Conditions: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE To critically analyze published literature to determine the effectiveness of myofascial release therapy as a treatment for orthopaedic conditions. DATA SOURCES We searched the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Academic Search Premier, Cochrane Library, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), with key words myofascial release, myofascial release therapy, myofascial release treatment, musculoskeletal, and orthopedic. No date limitations were applied to the searches. STUDY SELECTION Articles were selected based upon the use of the term myofascial release in the abstract or key words. Final selection was made by applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria to the full text. Studies were included if they were English-language, peer-reviewed studies on myofascial release for an orthopaedic condition in adult patients. Ten studies were eligible. DATA EXTRACTION Data collected were number of participants, condition being treated, treatment used, control group, outcome measures and results. Studies were analyzed using the PEDro scale and the Center for Evidence-Based Medicines Levels of Evidence Scale. DATA SYNTHESIS Study scores on the PEDro scale ranged from 6 of 10 to 8 of 10. Based on the Levels of Evidence Scale, the case studies (n = 6) were of lower quality, with a rank of 4. Three of the 4 remaining studies were rated at 2b, and the final study was rated at 1b. CONCLUSIONS The quality of studies was mixed, ranging from higher-quality experimental to lower-quality case studies. Overall, the studies had positive outcomes with myofascial release, but because of the low quality, few conclusions could be drawn. The studies in this review may serve as a good foundation for future randomized controlled trials.

A WORKLOAD SELECTION PROCEDURE FOR THE ÅSTRAND-RYHMING TEST FOR WOMEN.

The Åstrand-Ryhming Submaximal Bicycle Test is an accurate and widely used test to estimate maximal oxygen consumption. This test requires a participant to maintain a workload over a 6-min. period. The issue facing many employing this protocol is the identification of an appropriate workload for the cycling regimen. The present study is designed to identify a method for determining an appropriate workload for female participants. A prior study designed a workload selection procedure specifically for men; however, the selection procedure designed for women in this study was better able to elicit a final heart rate (average of minutes five and six) between 165–170 bpm compared to the original Åstrand-Ryhming procedure.

CyberEx Internet-Based Group Exercise for Rural Older Adults: A Pilot Study

The purpose of this study was to examine satisfaction with and outcomes of a real-time Internet-based group exercise program for older adults. Men and women age 50 and older (mean = 66.5) were recruited to participate in a 10-week distance group exercise program. Paired sample t-tests revealed that Sit-To-Stand (STS) repetitions increased significantly (p = .009), while Timed Up-and-Go(TUG) time decreased significantly (p = .000). Connectivity, visibility, and communication emerged as themes related to the use of technology; but overall, real-time Internet-based technology was shown to be an effective way to present group exercise programs for older adults in this rural setting.