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. 2024 Jun 13;17(2):20-31.
doi: 10.3822/ijtmb.v17i2.957. eCollection 2024 Jun.

Effectiveness of Three-Dimensional Myofascial Release on Lumbar Lordosis in Individuals with Asymptomatic Hyperlordosis: A Placebo Randomized Controlled Trial

Aarti Welling  1 , Ashwin Patil  2 , Pragati Gunjal  1 , Priyanka Naik  1 , Rani Hubli  1
Affiliations

Effectiveness of Three-Dimensional Myofascial Release on Lumbar Lordosis in Individuals with Asymptomatic Hyperlordosis: A Placebo Randomized Controlled Trial

Aarti Welling et al. Int J Ther Massage Bodywork. .

Abstract

Background: Lumbar hyperlordosis is the most prevalent musculoskeletal postural deformity. Maintenance of normal limits of lumbar lordosis is necessary for obtaining an ideal posture. Literature suggests that poor posture results in fascial restriction in which the fascia reorganizes in response to tension. Gross myofascial release (MFR) combined with posterior pelvic tilting exercises proved to be beneficial in improving the lumbar range of motion. Three-dimensional (3D) MFR is a novel approach toward reducing fascial restrictions. However, the literature determining the effects of 3D MFR is still emerging.

Aim: To determine the effect of 3D MFR on a lumbar lordosis angle and lumbar range of motion, in individuals with asymptomatic hyperlordosis.

Method: Participants (n = 30) with hyperlordosis were randomly assigned to either the experimental group receiving 3D MFR (n = 15) or the control group (n = 15) that received sham 3D MFR for six sessions (3 alternate days for 2 weeks). The outcomes were assessed at day 1 and day 6. Lumbar range of motion was assessed using modified-modified Schober's test and the lumbar lordosis angle was measured using x-ray and flexicurve.

Results: There was significant decrease (p = 0.0001) in the lumbar lordosis angle, increase in the lumbar flexion (p = 0.0001), and decrease in the extension (p = 0.0011) range of motion in the experimental group when compared to the control group.

Conclusion: Lumbar lordosis decreased and the lumbar range of motion increased in the experimental group only with 3D MFR and not with sham 3D MFR. Hence, 3D MFR is an effective method in the correction of lumbar hyperlordosis and improving the lumbar range.Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI) trial number CTRI/2023/03/050340.

Keywords: Lumbar lordosis; correction; fascia; posture.

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Conflict of interest statement

CONFLICT OF INTEREST NOTIFICATION: The authors declare there are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
CONSORT flow diagram.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Three-dimensional stretch.
Figure 3
Figure 3
(A and B) Three-dimensional stretch with trunk rotation.
Figure 4
Figure 4
(A and B) Three-dimensional stretch with head tilt.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Pre (A) and post (B) intervention decrease in the degree of lumbar lordosis visualized on x-ray in the experimental group.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Pre (A) and post (B) degree of lumbar lordosis visualized on x-ray in the control group.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Pre (A) and post (B) decrease in the magnitude of lumbar curvature in the experimental group.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Pre (A) and post (B) magnitude of lumbar curvature in the control group.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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