Date of Graduation

Spring 2014

Degree

Master of Science in Athletic Training

Department

Kinesiology

Committee Chair

Tona Hetzler

Abstract

Mobility restrictions throughout the human body have been correlated to an increased risk of injury and decreased performance. One example is a mobility restriction preventing one from performing a standing toe touch. A wide variety of interventions, such as massage, stretching, and neural glides are commonly utilized surrounding the restriction to increase mobility, however, findings lack consistency on the efficacy of these techniques. The body's fascial system suggests interconnections of even the most anatomically distant structures, often referred to as myofascial trains. Due to this connective tissue network, interventions have the potential to influence mobility restrictions at a body segment or a specific movement pattern. I hypothesized that performing a soft tissue intervention to the back of the neck, termed the suboccipital release, would increase one's toe touch measurement. To test my hypothesis, I developed a device and recorded toe touch measurements pre and post intervention. I found that a suboccipital release had a significantly positive effect on toe touch measurements. Data from my study provides evidence that interventions may have effects anatomically distant from the site of the intervention. Further evidence is needed to confirm or refute this correlation, and to provide additional findings concerning the physiological mechanisms behind the effects.

Keywords

fascia, mobility, myofascia, myofascial trains, myofascial trigger points

Subject Categories

Sports Sciences

Copyright

© Tarah A. Trokey

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