To Compare the Immediate Effect of Hold-Relax Technique Versus Myofascial Release on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness of Quadriceps Muscle in Runners

Abstract

Background and purpose: The objectives of the study were to assess and compare the effectiveness of Hold and Relax technique(H&R) with Thera gun and Myofascial release (MFR) with Thera gun on Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness (DOMS) of quadriceps in runners. Myofascial release and Hold and relax technique both are used for a recovery from exercise induced fatigue which involves pain, soreness and decreased range of motion (ROM) which is crucial for subsequent performance. Along with both these techniques vibrational therapy also helps in alleviating DOMS. Method: This study was an experimental study design. The samples were selected on the basis of Simple Random Sampling method. 40 subjects selected, in the age ranging from 20 to 40 years were assigned in two groups; Group A received hold and relax technique along with Thera gun (20 subjects) and group B received myofascial release technique with Thera gun (20 subjects). Pain, muscle soreness and range of motion was measured using Visual analogue scale (VAS), 7- point Likert scale and Universal goniometer. Both, Pre intervention and post intervention was done. Immediate effect after the technique applied was recorded in the study. Results: Means were analyzed using Paired ‘t’ test as a parametric and Wilcoxon signed rank test as a non-parametric test have been used to analyze the variables from preintervention to post-intervention with calculation of percentage of change, there was a significant improvement in means of VAS, 7-point Likert scale and universal goniometer in terms of pain, muscle soreness and range of motion. Conclusion: Myofascial release technique was marginally more effective in reduction of pain and muscle soreness and increase range of motion. Keywords: delayed onset of muscle soreness, hold and relax, myofascial release, vibrational therapy, Thera gun, visual analogue scale, 7-point Likert scale, universal goniometer, pain, range of motion.