The Rolf Method of Structural Integration on Fascial Tissue Stiffness, Elasticity, and Superficial Blood Perfusion in Healthy Individuals: The Prospective, Interventional Study
Open Access
- 15 September 2020
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Frontiers Media SA in Frontiers in Physiology
Abstract
Introduction: There are multiple theories surrounding the physiological impact of structural integration (SI) with little evidence or research corroborating any of these. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of 10 sessions of SI on fascial tissue (FT) superficial blood perfusion, stiffness, and elasticity in 13 healthy women. Methods: This was a prospective, interventional study. The primary outcome measures were FTs' superficial blood perfusion, stiffness, and elasticity of bilateral selected FT points on the body. Data were collected before and after 10 sessions of SI intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using the non-parametric Wilcoxon test (intragroup comparison). Results: The superficial blood perfusion increased significantly in the most selected FT points on the body (p < 0.05). SI interventions produced significant decreases in selected points (brachioradialis, biceps brachii, and trapezius; p < 0.05) of FT stiffness and significant increases in elasticity (brachioradialis, biceps brachii, triceps surae, and trapezius; p < 0.05), especially in the FT of the right (dominant) upper limb. Conclusion: A 10-session of SI demonstrated positive effects on increasing superficial blood perfusion contributed to a decrease in FT stiffness and an increase in elasticity properties in the dominant upper limb. Data collection for this study is currently underway, and the trial is registered atwith the identifier: ISRCTN46707309.This publication has 61 references indexed in Scilit:
- Fascial Components of the Myofascial Pain SyndromeCurrent Pain and Headache Reports, 2013
- Comparative study on the effectiveness of myofascial release manual therapy and physical therapy for venous insufficiency in postmenopausal womenComplementary Therapies in Medicine, 2012
- EditorialJournal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 2012
- Structural Integration, an Alternative Method of Manual Therapy and Sensorimotor EducationThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2011
- Therapeutic Massage of the Neck and Shoulders Produces Changes in Peripheral Blood Flow When Assessed with Dynamic Infrared ThermographyThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2010
- Quantitative Assessment of Radiation-Induced Fibrosis of the Breast with Tissue Compliance Meter, Palpation, and Radiological Imaging: Preliminary ResultsThe Breast Journal, 2009
- Rolfing structural integration treatment of cervical spine dysfunctionJournal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 2009
- RolfingPhysical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America, 2004
- Fascial plasticity – a new neurobiological explanation Part 2Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 2003
- Fascial plasticity – a new neurobiological explanation: Part 1Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 2003