Abstract
Purpose
The Longissimus Dorsi (LD) is one of the most overloaded and injured muscles among golfers. Self-Myofascial Release (SMFR) therapy is a common injury prevention technique. However, impact of SMFR on LD bioelectrical activity among golfers is unknown. Therefore, we addressed this issue in the present study.
Materials and methods
31 golf players (28 males, age = 35.8 ± 13.1 years, BMI = 25.1 ± 3.9 kg·m− 2, training experience = 8.2 ± 5.4 years) underwent SMFR by foam rolling of LD 4 times for 30 seconds each. We performed electromyography of the thoracic and lumbar components of LD at rest and during the golf swing. Finally, we took measurements before and after foam rolling.
Results
The thoracic component of LD has higher bioelectrical activity at rest than the lumbar component (average = 7.2–8.7 µV vs 6.8–7.5 µV, p = 0.12–0.66; peak = 58.1–62.2 vs 41.2–51.2 µV, p = 0.28–0.73). On the contrary, the thoracic component has lower bioelectrical activity during swing than the lumbar component (average = 35.8–43.5 µV, p = 0.25–0.90; peak = 40.0-45.9 µV, p = 0.25–0.72). Comparison of average and peak voltages did not provide significant differences between the right and left sides (p = 0.06–0.94). Voltages between thoracic and lumbar components of LD also did not provide significant differences, but voltages after SMFR were slightly lower than before SMFR (p = 0.08-1.00).
Conclusions
SMFR moderately reduces the bioelectrical activity of the LD. The thoracic component of LD has higher voltage during rest and lower voltage during swing than the lumbar component of LD. Physiotherapists and sport practitioners should acknowledge bioelectrical activity of LD to properly apply SMFR therapy in golfers.