Exercises Directed To Dynamic Stiffness Of The Thoracolumbar Region And Performance Of Amateur Runners

Exercises Directed To Dynamic Stiffness Of The Thoracolumbar Region And Performance Of Amateur Runners: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Introduction: Worldwide, the number of amateurs runners is growing exponentially, with consequent increase in musculoskeletal injuries. Although prevention and treatment by myofascial release has shown some evidence over the years, many issues remain. However, this evidence is based on studies that are not randomized controlled trials. Thus, issues associated with prevention and treatment strategies and their effects have not yet been fully explored by researchers. Objective: Contribute to the formation of basic knowledge and understanding of the impact of exercises aimed at the fascial system (fascial fitness®) on the dynamic stiffness of the thoracolumbar region and on the performance of amateur runners. Methods: This project tests a randomized, double-blind (evaluator and patient), parallel clinical trial in three groups comparing the effects of fascial fitness®, kinesiotherapy and placebo for a dynamic stiffness of the thoracolumbar thoracolumbar region and for the performance of amateur runners. Participants will be randomly allocated to receive a 6-week fascial fitness® program, either kinesiotherapy or placebo (detuned ultrasound). Outcome measures will be used before interventions, 3 and 6 weeks after randomization. Interventions will be cared out twice a week for six weeks. Primary outcomes will be the dynamic stiffness of the thoracolumbar region and the time to complete the 5 km run. As secondary outcomes form the ability to maintain static posture in three different postures, the pressure pain threshold, the electromyographic activity of the latissimus dorsi muscle, the quality of movement patterns and heart rate variability in the 5 km run. To analyze whether fascial fitness® or kinesiotherapy or placebo will mediate changes in outcome variables, multivariate analysis of variation will be used.

Inclusion Criteria:

Eligible runners must meet the following criteria:

• 5km amateur runners;
• 18 to 45 years old;
• the both sexes;
• be performing running activity for at least 1 year;
• training rate of at least twice a week.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Difficulty in understanding the Portuguese language to answer the questionnaires;
• self-report of carrying neuromusculoskeletal diseases;
• trauma or surgeries in the last 90 days in the lower limbs;
• vestibular system in the last 30 days;
• controlled medicine;
• previous physiotherapeutic treatment in the last 30 days.