Les effets du crochetage myo-aponévrotique sur l’architecture et les propriétés intrinsèques du muscle gastrocnemius medialis à l’étirement

Abstract

Background : this study investigates the effects of the diacutaneous myo-aponeurosis fibrolysis technique, also called hook treatment, on the architectural and mechanical aspects of the muscle. Methods : the overall muscle-tendon unit passive tension and range of motion and muscle architecture of the medial gastrocnemius (fascicle length and pennation angle), as well as mechanical intrinsic elasticity and dissipative properties, were assessed before and after 10 minutes of diacutaneous fibrolysis (DF) of the triceps surae muscle. We analyzed 20 participants divided into a group treated by DF and into a control group. Results : our results revealed an 8.0 ± 8.4% (P<0.01) decrease in passive torque at 30° of ankle dorsiflexion coupled with a 9.5 ± 5.6% (P<0.01) gain in ankle flexibility following DF. In addition, the medial gastrocnemius muscle normalized fascicle length (Lf.cos μ) rose by 6.3 ± 4.9% (ANCOVA P<0.001) at 30° of ankle dorsiflexion following DF. Passive stiffness calculated from the passive torque-Lf deformation curve normalized at each ankle angle decreased from 20° to 30° of dorsiflexion (ANCOVA P<0.01) following DF. No significant changes were revealed in the tissues viscous properties. No changes occurred in the control group. Discussion: the decrease in passive tension and the gain in maximal joint range of motion observed following 10 minutes of DF is the result of a better muscular compliance coupled with changes in muscle architecture. Neural and/or psychological factors cannot be excluded considering the changes observed. Conclusion: this study is in line with previous research using the same experimental conditions. It would be relevant to test the effects of the diacutaneous technique on a pathologic population.