Correlated variables and changes in fascial stiffness and pelvic mobility following the myofascial induction method utilizing the crossed hands technique

Abstract

Background: Myofascial Induction Therapy (MIT) is a physiotherapeutic (PT) intervention addressing musculoskeletal disorders. Standardizing MIT as a manual PT intervention ensures consistency and replicability. Aim: To describe correlated variables and changes in fascial stiffness and pelvic mobility after applying the Crossed Hands Technique based on MIT. Methods: A quasi-experimental study involved 15 PTs trained in myofascial induction and 15 healthy individuals. Environmental (ambient temperature, stretcher height, width), patient (subscapular fatty fold, BMI, height, chest length, lumbopelvic mobility, fascial stiffness), and PT variables (pressure, traction, hand temperature, kinematic changes) were assessed during lumbodorsal hands-cross at 1-min intervals for 5 min. Pelvic mobility was measured using kinovea photogrammetry and dorsolumbar stiffness using a durometer. Descriptive analysis and correlations were applied. Results: PTs had a mean 5.3 years of MIT experience. The average force was 5.5 N, traction force 0.39 N. Post-technique, individuals showed 4° increased pelvic mobility, minimal stiffness changes at T7 and L4 levels. Kinematic variables for the PTs revealed an average shoulder flexion of 40° and bilateral elbow flexion of 18°. Following the application of the technique, individuals who received MIT experienced a 4° increase in pelvic mobility, with only minor changes in stiffness observed at both the T7 and L4 levels. Conclusions: The Crossed Hands Technique involves key variables like force and traction, varying over time. Clinical outcomes are influenced by patient and environmental factors. Notably, the physiotherapist's hand temperature, right shoulder internal rotation, right foot abduction, and fourth finger opening show significant correlations with tissue stiffness changes. © 2024 The Author(s)