Effect of Three Force Magnitudes During the Cross-Hand Technique in the Thoracolumbar Region on the Myofascial System in Healthy Adults

Effect of Three Force Magnitudes During the Cross-Hand Technique in the Thoracolumbar Region on the Myofascial System in Healthy Adults

Orthopedic Manual Therapy (OMT) employs specific manual techniques to assess and treat musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Among these, the Myofascial Induction Method (MIM) and its "crossed hands" technique are designed to restore fascial mobility and hydration through sustained mechanical forces. However, the lack of standardization (particularly regarding applied force) limits reproducibility and clinical consistency. The objective of this research is to compare the effects of three force magnitudes (2 kg, 5 kg, and 11 kg) applied during the crossed-hands technique on fascial stiffness, thickness, pain pressure threshold, and lumbopelvic mobility in healthy adults.

Introduction: Orthopedic Manual Therapy (OMT) employs specific manual techniques to assess and treat musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Among these, the Myofascial Induction Method (MIM) and its "crossed hands" technique are designed to restore fascial mobility and hydration through sustained mechanical forces. However, the lack of standardization (particularly regarding applied force) limits reproducibility and clinical consistency. Objective: To compare the effects of three force magnitudes (2 kg, 5 kg, and 11 kg) applied during the crossed-hands technique on fascial stiffness, thickness, pain pressure threshold, and lumbopelvic mobility in healthy adults. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 30 healthy participants, divided into three groups (n = 10 each). Each received a single 5-minute session of the crossed-hands technique on the thoracolumbar fascia using forces of 2 kg (G3), 5 kg (G2), or 11 kg (G1). Fascial stiffness was measured with a Shore 00 durometer, thickness via ultrasound (Mindray TE7), pain pressure threshold (PPT) by algometry, and lumbopelvic mobility using Kinovea® motion analysis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participants aged 18 years or older
• Participants of both sexes
• Apparently healthy participants

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals with cognitive disability that limited the ability to follow instructions
• Participants with active pain greater than 5/10 at the time of the examination
• Participants with obesity (BMI greater than 30)
• Individuals with active vertigo
• Participants taking muscle relaxants at the time of the measurement,
• Participants who had received myofascial induction within 24 hours prior to the measurement