Effects of Self-Myofascial Release on Shoulder Function and Perception in Adolescent Tennis Players.

CONTEXT

Tennis induces a decreased internal rotation range of motion at the dominant glenohumeral joint. The effects of self-myofascial release have not yet been investigated to restore glenohumeral range of motion.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed at investigating the effects of self-myofascial release on shoulder function and perception in adolescent tennis players.

DESIGN

Test-retest design.

SETTING

Tennis training sport facilities.

PARTICIPANTS

Eleven male players participated in this study (age: 15 [3] y; height: 173.1 [11.1] cm; mass: 56.0 [15.1] kg; International Tennis Number: 3).

INTERVENTION

During 5 weeks, the players performed their regular tennis training. During 5 additional weeks, self-myofascial release of the infraspinatus and pectoralis muscles was implemented 3 times per week after the warm-up of the regular training session.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was glenohumeral internal rotation range of motion. The secondary outcomes were perceived shoulder instability and tennis serve accuracy and velocity.

RESULTS

Adding self-myofascial release allowed an increase of 11° (2°) of internal rotation range of motion at the dominant glenohumeral joint (P < .001) and a decreased perception of shoulder instability (P = .03), while maintaining tennis serve velocity and accuracy.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementing self-myofascial release on infraspinatus and pectoralis muscles 3 times per week during 5 weeks improved dominant glenohumeral internal rotation range of motion in tennis players. It can be used as a strategy to preserve the mobility of this joint.