Myofascial Release and 20-m Speed in Wheelchair Rugby Athletes With Spinal Cord Injury

Effect of Myofascial Release on Performance in the 20-Meter Speed Test in Wheelchair Rugby Athletes With Spinal Cord Injury

This study aims to investigate the effect of myofascial release on sprint performance in wheelchair rugby athletes with spinal cord injury.

Participants will complete a 20-meter sprint test on two different days in a randomized crossover design: one day without myofascial release and one day immediately after the intervention.

The myofascial release will be applied to the upper limb muscles involved in wheelchair propulsion using a handheld device for 90 seconds per muscle group.

Sprint performance will be measured by the time required to complete the 20-meter distance.

The study will compare performance between conditions to determine whether myofascial release improves speed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Men and women
• Aged 18 years or older
• Cervical spinal cord injury (tetraplegia)
• Practice of wheelchair rugby for at leastm12 months
• Participating in team training sessions for at least 3 months prior to the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Musculoskeletal pain
• Injury that prevents completion of the study protocol.
• Wounds, pressure ulcers, or skin lesions at the site of myofascial release application
• Recreational athletes
• Medical contraindication to manual therapy
• Infection, fever, or acute illness at the time of assessment