title: Comparative analysis of ultrasound changes in the vastus lateralis muscle following myofascial release and thermotherapy: a pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to compare the effects of myofascial release (MFR) and hot pack therapy (HPT) on fascial gliding and flexibility of the vastus lateralis muscle.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three treatments were applied to the left vastus lateralis muscles of each participant (12 healthy males): MFR for 4 min, superficial HPT for 10 min, and superficial HPT for 20 min. Deep fascial motion was measured by B-mode ultrasound, whereas muscle stiffness was measured by real-time elastography (RTE) and a durometer before and after the interventions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Only MFR resulted in changes in both deep fascial motion and muscle stiffness measured by RTE. Durometer-measured muscle stiffness revealed changes following both MFR and 20-min HPT but not 10-min HPT.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  HPT may produce only superficial effects. Because MFR improved all measured parameters, continuous stretching and pressure are probably important for improving fascial gliding and flexibility of the vastus lateralis muscle.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate School of Human Health Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan; Senkawa-Shinoda Orthopedic Clinic, Japan. Electronic address: kazunaichi@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Kazuna
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ichikawa
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate School of Human Health Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan.
authors.forename: Hitoshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Takei
authors.affiliation: Division of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan.
authors.forename: Hideyuki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Usa
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate School of Human Health Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan; Kawakita General Hospital, Japan.
authors.forename: Shoh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mitomo
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate School of Human Health Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan; Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Human Health Sciences, Mejiro University, Japan.
authors.forename: Daisuke
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ogawa
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005205:Fascia / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D052097:Quadriceps Muscle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology*; D064746:Therapy, Soft Tissue / Q000379:methods*; D014463:Ultrasonography
keywords: Motion of the deep fascia; Muscle stiffness; Myofascial release; Ultrasound