Acute Effects of Thoracolumbar Fascia Myofascial Release on Cortical Activity

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Thoracolumbar Fascia Myofascial Release (Pilat MIF Crossed-Hands Technique): A manual myofascial release technique applied for 10 minutes to the thoracolumbar fascia (T10-L4 region) in the prone position. The therapist's hands are placed in a crossed configuration over the fascia, applying sustained moderate pressure (1.5-2.5 kg) without rapid movement, aiming to release tension in the fascia's laminar and posterior layers. The technique is delivered by a certified myofascial therapist trained in the Pilat Myofascial Induction (MIF) method.

Sham (Light Surface Touch): A sham condition consisting of light, static surface contact (\<0.5 kg) applied to the same thoracolumbar region as the active technique, for the same 10-minute duration and in the same prone position. No therapeutic pressure, sliding, or manipulation is applied. This condition controls for the effects of therapist contact, positioning, and expectation, isolating the specific effect of the myofascial release technique itself.

Study summary

This study will examine the immediate (acute) effects of a single myofascial release technique applied to the thoracolumbar fascia on brain activity in healthy young adults aged 18-25. Using a sham-controlled, randomized design, participants will be assigned to either an active treatment group, receiving a 10-minute myofascial release technique to the lower back, or a sham control group, receiving light surface touch to the same area for the same duration without any therapeutic pressure or movement.

Brain activity will be recorded using a portable, 8-channel wireless EEG system before the intervention, shortly after it (0-10 minutes), and again 30 minutes later, allowing researchers to track how cortical activity changes over time. Measurements will focus on sensorimotor rhythms (mu rhythm) and posterior alpha power, along with heart rate variability, to assess whether the myofascial technique produces effects that go beyond those of simple touch. The main goal is to determine whether this hands-on technique produces a measurable, distinct pattern of brain activity compared to a sham (placebo-like) touch condition.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Change in Sensorimotor Mu Rhythm Power (C3, C4 channels) — Baseline (pre-intervention), early post-intervention (0-10 min), and late post-intervention (30 min)
  Power spectral density in the mu rhythm frequency band (assessed via alpha/beta range activity over sensorimotor cortex) will be calculated from EEG channels C3 and C4 using Welch's method, and compared between baseline and post-intervention time points and between the active and sham groups.
• Change in Posterior Alpha Power (Pz channel) — Baseline (pre-intervention), early post-intervention (0-10 min), and late post-intervention (30 min)
  Power spectral density in the alpha frequency band will be calculated from EEG channel Pz using Welch's method, and compared between baseline and post-intervention time points and between the active and sham groups.

Trial sites (1)

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