Comparison of Immediate Effect of Plantar Fascia Release by Roller Massager and Transverse Friction Massage on Hamstring Flexibility in Desk Job Workers

Abstract

Background: Desk job workers with prolonged sitting have postural imbalances and the overused muscles experience an increase in tension in one part of the body which causes excessive tension in other parts of the body due to continuity of the fascia. This fascial anatomy trains can cause stress not only on the muscle but all the structures that are surrounded by the fascia leading to dysfunction and pain. Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study is to compare the acute effects of different techniques like self-myofascial release and transverse friction massage on flexibility in healthy adults for effective treatment and efficient working. Results: Main Findings- Hamstring flexibility of the desk job workers tested via Active Knee Extension Test and V Sit and Reach test both pre and post of both the groups A and B showed significant difference p<0.001 tested by Wilcoxon Sign Rank Test. Group statistics done with Man Whitney Test showed that there is no significant difference between AKET (P=0.3030) whereas there is significant difference between V SRT between the two groups (P=0.030) suggesting larger variations in the group mean or any other unknown causes. Conclusions: This study concludes that Self Myofascial Release therapy and Transverse Friction Massage therapy both are effective in improving hamstring flexibility in desk job workers when worked on the plantar fascia via the anatomy trains. Self myofascial release therapy showed better results than the transverse friction massage therapy both statistically and clinically. Potential Implications: Thus, these methods can be used as an effective adjunct for many rehabilitation programs for speedy recovery. KEY WORDS: Desk Job Workers, Hamstring Flexibility, Plantar Fascia, Self Myofascial Release, Transverse Friction Massage.