A pilot study on non-invasive treatment of migraine: The self-myofascial release

• Main Authors: Alessandra Amato (Author), Giuseppe Messina (Author), Valerio Giustino (Author), Jessica Brusa (Author), Filippo Brighina (Author), Patrizia Proia (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: PAGEPress Publications, 2021-02-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 10.4081/ejtm.2020.9646; 2037-7452; 2037-7460
• Keywords: Migraine; myofascial release techniques; fascia; balance; cervical ROM; Medicine; R; Human anatomy; QM1-695
• Source: European Journal of Translational Myology (2021)

The aims of this paper was to determine the effect of self-myofascial release (SMFR) on postural stability and to analyze if it can influence migraine condition. Twenty-five subjects (age 49.7± 12.5) affected by migraine were enrolled. Assessments included a stabilometric analysis in order to evaluate balance and plantar support, with eyes open (OE) and closed (CE); cervical ROM measurement; evaluation of upper limb strength through handgrip. All the analysis were carried out before and after the administration of a single SMFR protocol, using medium density small balls laid in the three most painful trigger points in migraine patients: trapezius, sternocleidomastoids and suboccipital muscles. Performing a T test for paired samples, there was a significant increase in two ranges of the stabilometric analysis: ellipse surface, both with open and closed eyes (p value EO = 0.05; p value EC = 0.04) and length of the sway path, but just with closed eyes (p value = 0.05). SMFR might have a positive impact on postural stability in subjects with migraine. Further investigation should be conducted to confirm the hypothesis.