Acute effect of different duration times of application of myofascial release on quadriceps femoris strength: A randomized clinical trial

Objectives To evaluate the effect of Miofascial Release (MFR) on knee extensors strength, at different duration times of application. Method 51 healthy individuals were randomly assigned to one of three groups (3min, 5min or placebo) in this randomized clinical trial. The knee extensors strength was assessed in two conditions: pre and post-intervention, using an isokinetic dynamometer, at speeds of 60° and 120°/s. MFR was applied on the anterior surface of the thigh for 3min or 5 min, according to the experimental groups. The placebo group underwent through the application of a non-therapeutic gel, associated with 3min of a light touch on the skin. Peak torque, total work and mean power were the isokinetic variables analyzed through a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) with p ≤ 0.05. Results Our findings suggest a main effect and interaction between moments (pre and post-intervention) and speeds (60° and 120°/s) for total work and mean power (p < 0.01). Likewise, main effect and interaction of speed were observed for peak torque (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences for the other analyzed variables. Conclusion No significant main effect of MFR were detected in any of the proposed application time on peak torque, total work and mean power, in the knee extensors, compared to the placebo group.