Effects of myofascial release in erector spinae myoelectric activity and lumbar spine kinematics in non-specific chronic low back pain: Randomized controlled trial

Background: Flexion-relaxation response of the lumbar erector spinae has been previously studied after different interventions such as exercise programs or spinal manipulation, in subjects with chronic low back pain. The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of an isolated myofascial release protocol on erector spinae myoelectric activity and lumbar spine kinematics in chronic low back pain. Methods: Thirty-six participants, with nonspecific chronic low back pain, were randomized to myofascial release group (n = 18) receiving four sessions of myofascial treatment, each lasting 40 min, and to control group (n = 18) receiving a sham myofascial release. Electromyographic and kinematic variables as well as pain and disability questionnaires were analyzed. Findings: There was a bilateral reduction of the flexion relaxation ratio in individuals receiving myofascial release and who did not show myoelectric silence at baseline (right difference M = 0.34, 95% CI [0.16, 0.33], p <= .05 and left difference M = 0.45, 95% CI [0.16, 0.73], p <= .05). There was also a significant reduction in pain in the myofascial release group (difference M = -9.1, 95% CI [-16.3, -1.8], p <= .05) and disability (difference M = -5.6, 95% CI [-9.1, -2.1], p <= .05), compared with control group. No significant differences between groups were found for the kinematic variables. Interpretation: The myofascial release protocol contributed to the normalization of the flexion-relaxation response in individuals who did not show myoelectric silence before the intervention, and also showed a significant reduction in pain and disability compared with the sham group.