Article

OBJECTIVE: As myofascial release therapy is currently under development, the
objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of myofascial release
therapy with manual therapy for treating occupational mechanical neck pain.
DESIGN: A randomized, single-blind parallel group study was developed. The sample
(n = 59) was divided into GI, treated with manual therapy, and GII, treated with
myofascial release therapy. Variables studied were intensity of neck pain,
cervical disability, quality of life, craniovertebral angle, and ranges of
cervical motion. RESULTS: At five sessions, clinical significance was observed in
both groups for all the variables studied, except for flexion in GI. At this time
point, an intergroup statistical difference was observed, which showed that GII
had better craniovertebral angle (P = 0.014), flexion (P = 0.021), extension (P =
0.003), right side bending (P = 0.001), and right rotation (P = 0.031). A
comparative analysis between therapies after intervention showed statistical
differences indicating that GII had better craniovertebral angle (P = 0.000),
right (P = 0.000) and left (P = 0.009) side bending, right (P = 0.024) and left
(P = 0.046) rotations, and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of
occupational mechanical neck pain by myofascial release therapy seems to be more
effective than manual therapy for correcting the advanced position of the head,
recovering range of motion in side bending and rotation, and improving quality of
life.

Langue : ANGLAIS