The effect of remote self-myofascial release and stretch on range of motion and chronic neck pain: A randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This study investigated the effect of remote Self-Myofascial Release (SMR) and stretching on chronic neck pain and range of motion (ROM) by targeting the lower limb myofascial chain.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

In this quasi-experimental study, 32 participants aged 30-40 years with chronic neck pain were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 16) or a control group (n = 16). The experimental group received remote SMR and stretching exercises for the gastrocnemius and plantar fascia, performed three times weekly for six weeks. The control group received no intervention. Neck ROM (sagittal plane) was measured using a goniometer, pain was assessed with a visual analog scale, and functional disability was measured using the COMI-Neck questionnaire.

RESULTS

Two-way ANOVA revealed a significant interaction between time and group for neck pain and ROM (p < 0.05). Bonferroni post-hoc tests showed significant reductions in pain and disability and increased ROM in the experimental group (p < 0.05), while no significant changes were observed in the control group (p > 0.05). These results indicate that remote interventions targeting lower limb fascia can positively influence cervical function.

CONCLUSION

SMR combined with remote stretching exercises for the lower limbs may effectively improve cervical ROM and reduce pain and disability in individuals with chronic neck pain. The findings support the relevance of the Superficial Back Line (SBL) in non-invasive treatment strategies.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered at https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/with the registration number IRCT20200209046422N2.