Immediate Effect between Graston Technique and Self-Myofascial Release Technique on Calf Muscle Function and Walking of Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: The Graston technique and self-myofascial release technique using foam roller are used to fascia release. The purposeof this study was to compare the immediate effects of the Graston technique and self-myofascial release technique using foamroller to improve calf muscle function and walking speed. Design: A cross-sectional studyMethods: Total fifty-two healthy adults participated in this study. Subjects randomly were conducted the Graston technique andself-myofascial release technique using foam roller to the right and left calf muscles for 5 minutes each. Calf muscle function was assessed by ankle dorsi flexion range of motion, and walking speed was assessed by 10m walking test on preferred walking andfast walking. Results: Both the Graston technique and self-myofascial release technique using foam roller significantly improved the ankledorsiflexion angle, viscoelastic properties of the calf muscle, and preferred walking speed (p<0.05), but there was no significantdifference in vertical jump and fast walking speed. Also, there was no significant differences between the two techniques in allvariables (p>0.05). Conclusions: This study showed that both the Graston technique and self-myofascial release technique using foam roller can affect muscle function and walking speed by relaxing the fascia of the calf muscles. Because the immediate effects are similarbetween the two interventions, the self-myofascial release technique using foam roller is recommended for economic savings.