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. 2022 Jun 1;17(4):636-642.
doi: 10.26603/001c.35591. eCollection 2022.

The Effect of Self-Myofascial Release on the Pennation Angle of the Vastus Medialis Oblique and the Vastus Lateralis in Athletic Male Individuals: An Ultrasound Investigation

Queenie Mae Torrente  1 , Alban Killingback  2 , Claire Robertson  3 , Philip J Adds  1
Affiliations

The Effect of Self-Myofascial Release on the Pennation Angle of the Vastus Medialis Oblique and the Vastus Lateralis in Athletic Male Individuals: An Ultrasound Investigation

Queenie Mae Torrente et al. Int J Sports Phys Ther. .

Abstract

Background: Maintenance of patellar stability requires a balance between the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and the vastus lateralis (VL). The imbalance between these muscles is thought to be implicated in the etiology of patellofemoral pain (PFP). Where there is hypertrophy of the VL in PFP patients, self-myofascial release (SMR) may be utilized for its management. However, there is no current evidence regarding SMR and its effects on VMO and VL architecture. The aim of this study, therefore, was to use ultrasound to gain further understanding of the effects of a program of SMR on the fiber angles of the VMO and VL.

Hypothesis: There will be a significant decrease in the pennation angles of the VMO and VL after seven weeks of SMR using a foam roller.

Study design: Cohort Study.

Methods: Twenty-five young, athletic, male participants were recruited to use a foam roller, along the full length of both anterior thighs, three times weekly, on three separate days, for seven weeks. Ultrasound was used to determine the initial and final VMO and VL pennation angles on both limbs. One eligible participant was chosen as an intra-rater control and did not partake in the SMR regimen.

Results: There was a statistically significant (p < 0.001) decrease in the pennation angles of the VMO and VL after the SMR regime. Mean combined right and left VL angle change was -6.65° (-18% mean change) and the mean combined right and left VMO angle change was -7.65° (-11.5% mean change). A weak negative correlation was found between initial VMO fiber angle and the angle change (Rsquared = -0.21), as well as moderate negative correlation for the VL (Rsquared = -0.51).

Conclusion: A program of SMR on the anterior thighs of young, asymptomatic males resulted in changes to the fiber angles of both the VMO and VL. There was a significant decrease in pennation angle after seven weeks of SMR using a foam roller.

Keywords: Patellofemoral pain; physiotherapy; self-myofascial release; ultrasound; vastus lateralis; vastus medialis oblique.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.. The femoral axis was marked on the skin (a); VMO and VL fibre angles were identified and marked (b), using the ultrasound image (c)
Figure 2.
Figure 2.. Roller method: the subject moved himself backwards and forwards on his elbows for one minute on each lower limb
Figure 3.
Figure 3.. Scatter plot showing the relationship between the combined initial VMO fiber angle vs VMO fiber angle change after seven weeks of SMR
Figure 4.
Figure 4.. Scatter plot showing the relationship between the combined initial VL fiber angle vs VL fiber angle change after seven weeks of SMR
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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