Myofascial release (MFR) is a manual therapy technique commonly used by clinicians and bodyworkers to provide effects such as decreased pain, improvement in flexibility, ROM, and quality of life. It combines non-gliding fascial traction with varying amounts of stretching to produce a tensional force on the muscle and its associated fascia resulting in viscoelastic lengthening and deformation.

Myofascial release will be provided to each subject assigned to the experimental group by the primary investigator (PI). The participant will be positioned in prone and the MFR will be applied along the lumbar paraspinals bilaterally for five minutes per side.

Sham treatment will be provided to each subject assigned to the control group by the designated co-investigator. The sham treatment of light touch will be applied to the lumbar paraspinals in the same fashion as noted above. This form of light touch contact is not therapeutic and is meant to only mimic a manual therapy technique.

Myofascial release is a manual therapy technique commonly used by clinicians and bodyworkers to provide effects such as decreased pain, improvement in flexibility, ROM, and quality of life. It combines non-gliding fascial traction with varying amounts of stretching to produce a tensional force on the muscle and its associated fascia resulting in viscoelastic lengthening and deformation.

Upon arrival, the participant will be greeted and directed to the research room. The participant will be instructed to stand comfortably with their feet shoulder width apart, followed by one inclinometer placed at the level of S2 and the other 15cm above S2 by the designated researcher. The placement of the inclinometers is necessary to establish proper measurement of the lumbar spine, independent of outside influence. Inclinometers are valid and reliable tools for measuring lumbar ROM. Lumbar flexion will be measured first, followed by lateral flexion to the left and right. Lumbar ROM will be measured before and after each treatment.

The modified sit and reach test is a valid and reliable tool for assessing hamstring flexibility. This assessment will be implemented by the designated researcher. The modified sit and reach test will be administered before and after each treatment.

The test is performed supine with the tested leg bent to 90° of supported hip flexion. The participant will be asked to actively extend his or her knee as fully as possible. Any lag from full extension will be measured with a standard goniometer. This test is a valid and reliable tool for hamstring length assessment. An extension lag of greater than 20° indicates a lack of hamstring flexibility. This will be performed on both lower extremities before and after each treatment.

Each participant will be asked to perform a low-level functional activity (picking up a light-weight object) to help identify any perceived change in ability following the intervention.