Investigation of the plasticity of deep fascia based on the physical ability: toward the development of new conditioning methods

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K23300
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: 0909:Sports sciences, physical education, health sciences, and related fields
• Research Institution: Aichi Medical University
• Principal Investigator: Otsuka Shun 愛知医科大学, 医学部, 助教 (00879504)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-09-11 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 深筋膜 / 可塑性 / 身体運動パフォーマンス

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships between the characteristics of the deep fascia and exercise performance. The thickness of the fascia lata and its underlying muscle was measured by the B-mode ultrasonography. Isometric knee extension and flexion torque during maximal voluntary contraction were also measured. The present study revealed that the fascia lata thickness is partly associated with the the underlying muscle thickness and corresponding joint torque. It is assumed that the fascia lata has the plasticity and changes its thickness according to the morphology of the neighboring tissues and underlying muscle function.

Free Research Field

スポーツ科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究では、深筋膜は単に骨格筋を包むだけでなく、部位によって異なる特徴によって、骨格筋の力発揮を補助する可能性が示された。これは、身体運動パフォーマンスの発現メカニズムの理解において重要なステップであり、今後、深筋膜の可塑性に着目したコンディショニング方法の確立や、部位特異性を応用した装具の開発が見込まれる。
これにより、単なる骨格筋のトレーニングでは成し得なかった、高齢者の自脚での歩行の維持や、傷病者の早期社会復帰、アスリートの試合でのあと一歩の後押しが期待される。