Myofascial Line Training Effects on Mobility and Endurance in Adolescent Football Players

Effects of Posterior vs. Spiral Myofascial Line Training on Joint Mobility and Myofascial Isometric Endurance in Adolescent Football Players: A Randomized Crossover Trial

This study compared the effects of two myofascial chain training programs - the Superficial Posterior Line (PL) and the Spiral Line (SL) - on joint mobility and myofascial isometric endurance in adolescent male football players. Thirty-eight licensed male players (ages 15-16) were enrolled in a randomized crossover trial consisting of two 6-week training phases (12 weeks total), with follow-up measurements at week 16. Each program was delivered twice weekly in 30-minute sessions alongside regular club training. Joint mobility was assessed using goniometry (shoulder flexion, hip flexion, hip extension, popliteal angle), and myofascial isometric endurance was evaluated using the Bunkie Test across five lines (APL, PPL, PSL, LSL, MSL).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male, aged 15-16 years (U15-U16 category)
• Holding an active football player license and currently competing with a club team
• Regularly participating in routine club training sessions
• Free from any injury or musculoskeletal condition that could affect -performance testing at the time of enrollment
• Parental/legal guardian consent and participant assent obtained

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of any musculoskeletal injury, recent surgery, or medical condition affecting lower-limb function within the past 6 months
• Inability to attend the required training sessions or assessment time points
• Unwillingness or inability of parents/legal guardians to provide informed consent