Immediate improvements of supination range of motion and strength following pronator teres muscle friction massage: a clinical trial comparing people with and without supination limited motion.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effects of friction massage techniques on the pronator teres muscle on supination range of motion (ROM) and supinator strength in individuals with and without limited supination ROM.

METHODS

In total, 26 subjects (13 with limited supination ROM and 13 healthy subjects) volunteered to participate in this study. We used a customized wrist cuff. Supination ROM and supinator strength were measured with a 9-axis inertial motion sensor and load cell. The friction massage protocol was executed with the pronator teres muscle in a relaxed position. Then supination ROM and supinator strength were measured again.

RESULTS

There was no significant interaction effect on supination ROM, which was significantly greater in the limited supination and control groups. A post hoc t-test revealed that the limited supination group achieved a significantly increased post-test supination ROM (51.7 ± 7.8°) compared to the pre-test value (43.6 ± 5.2°). In addition, the control group achieved a significant increase in post-test supination ROM (67.7 ± 10.0°) compared to the pre-test value (61.4 ± 7.7°). There was no significant interaction effect on supinator strength. Supinator strength was significantly greater in the limited supination and control groups. A post hoc t-test revealed a significant difference in supinator strength between the pre- and post-test values in the limited supination group.

DISCUSSION: Friction massage helps restore a limited ROM of the forearm supination motion and immediately increases supinator muscle strength. This technique can be used as an intervention method to improve muscle strength in patients with limited supination ROM.