Immediate effects of diaphragmatic myofascial release on the physical and functional outcomes in sedentary women: A randomized placebo-controlled trial

Although diaphragmatic myofascial release techniques are widely used in clinical practice, few studies have evaluated the simultaneous acute effects of these techniques on the respiratory and musculoskeletal systems. To evaluate the immediate effects of diaphragmatic myofascial release in sedentary women on the posterior chain muscle flexibility; lumbar spine range of motion; respiratory muscle strength; and chest wall mobility. A randomized placebo-controlled trial with concealed allocation, intention-to-treat analysis, and blinding of assessors and participants. Seventy-five sedentary women aged between 18 and 35 years. The sample was randomly allocated into one of two groups; the experimental group received two diaphragmatic myofascial release techniques in a single session, and the control group received two placebo techniques following the same regimen. The primary outcome was chest wall mobility, which was analyzed using cirtometry. The secondary outcomes were flexibility, lumbar spine range of motion, and respiratory muscle strength. Outcomes were measured before and immediately after treatment. The manual diaphragm release techniques significantly improved chest wall mobility immediately after intervention, with a between-group difference of 0.61 cm (95% CI, 0.12–1.1) for the axillary region, 0.49 cm (95% CI, 0.03–0.94) for the xiphoid region, and 1.44 (95% CI, 0.88–2.00) for the basal region. The techniques also significantly improved the posterior chain muscle flexibility, with a between-group difference of 5.80 cm (95% CI, 1.69–9.90). All movements except flexion of the lumbar spine significantly increased. The effects on respiratory muscle strength were non-significant. The diaphragmatic myofascial release techniques improve chest wall mobility, posterior chain muscle flexibility, and some movements of the lumbar spine in sedentary women. These techniques could be considered in the management of people with reduced chest wall and lumbar mobility. NCT03065283.