title: A pilot study of balance performance benefit of myofascial release, with a tennis ball, in chronic stroke patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We hypothesised that the balance of spastic chronic stroke patients is related to myofascial problems. We performed myofascial release (MFR) with a tennis ball on the affected limb, as suggested by Myers.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study investigated the benefits of 8 weeks of MFR using a tennis ball on the balance of spastic patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight stroke patients were enrolled voluntarily after providing informed consent. All subjects received 8-week interventions with MFR using a tennis ball three times per week. The patients were evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed 'Up & Go' (TUG) test before and after 4 and 8 weeks of the intervention.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were significant differences in the BBS scores (p = 0.001). The TUG time decreased significantly at 4 and 8 weeks (p = 0.034).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Myofascial release appears to improve the balance of spastic chronic stroke patients; however, further studies should evaluate the effective of MFR on walking in stroke patients and determine the mechanism of the effect of MFR.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Medicine, Kaya University, 208 Samgye-ro, Gimhae, Kyongnam 609-757, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: djpark35@kaya.ac.kr.
authors.forename: Du-Jin
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Dong-A University Medical Center, 26, Daesingongwon-ro, Seo-gu, Busan 602-715, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: eva1223@naver.com.
authors.forename: Young-In
authors.initials: YI
authors.lastname: Hwang
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008405:Massage / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation / Q000379:methods*; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology
keywords: Balance training; Hemiplegia; Myofascial release; Soft tissue