Preliminary effects of myofascial release on chest mobility and trunk impairment in patients with chronic stroke: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

Objective This study investigated the effects of myofascial release (MFR) on chest mobility, trunk impairment, and respiratory function in patients with chronic stroke. Methods In this randomized controlled trial, 20 participants with chronic stroke were assigned to either an MFR group ( n = 10) receiving MFR plus inspiratory muscle training (IMT) or a stretching and diaphragmatic breathing (SDB) group ( n = 10) receiving chest stretching, diaphragmatic breathing, and IMT three and two times per week, respectively, for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was chest mobility measured at the axillary, xiphisternal, and basal levels. Secondary outcomes included trunk impairment (Trunk Impairment Scale, TIS), inspiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function, and quality of life (SS-QoL). Results Significant group × time interactions were observed for xiphisternal chest mobility (estimate = 1.34 cm, 95% CI 0.24-2.43; Cohen's d = 1.15; p = .019), basal chest mobility (estimate = 1.33 cm, 95% CI 0.28-2.39; Cohen's d = 1.19; p = .016), and trunk impairment (estimate = 2.10 points, 95% CI 0.13-4.07; Cohen's d = 1.00; p = .038), favoring the MFR group. At the axillary level, both groups demonstrated significant improvements over time ( p = .001), but no significant group × time interaction was observed ( p = .098). MIP increased significantly in both groups over time ( p = .001), with no between-group difference ( p = .255). No significant between-group differences were observed for pulmonary function or SS-QoL outcomes (all p > .05). Conclusions These preliminary findings suggest that eight weeks of MFR combined with IMT may improve lower chest mobility and reduce trunk impairment in patients with chronic stroke. MFR may be considered a potentially useful adjunct intervention to address thoracoabdominal mobility restrictions during stroke rehabilitation. Larger randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings and determine their clinical significance.