Impact of myofascial anchorage technique on hip joint range in unilateral above-knee amputees

Abstract

Amputation is the separation of part or all of a limb from the rest of the body. This procedure generates multisystemic modifications and consequences in human body movement; because people with amputation have altered the anatomical mechanics, since there is no alignment in the extremities, due to the loss of muscular insertions. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Myofascial Anchoring Technique on the joint range of the hip, applied to the iliopsoas muscle of amputated persons unilateral on the knee. Measurements were taken of the joint range of the hip at rest and passive, pre and post myofascial anchoring; with two independent evaluators. The 360º plastic ISOM Goniometer was used to take measurements. The sample consisted of 16 amputated patients unilateral on the knee. The study reveals that there are statistically significant differences in post-intervention hip mobility levels of the myofascial anchoring technique, with respect to its pre-intervention levels. The application of the myofascial anchoring technique on the iliopsoas muscle of amputated persons, has a favorable influences hip joint range; improving the positioning of the stump and, at the same time, decreasing part of the myofascial retractions generated by the amputation process, which would facilitate the future equipment of the amputee patient.