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Jan Wilke, M.A., Frieder Krause, M.A., Lutz Vogt, PhD, Winfried Banzer, PhD
PII: S0003-9993(15)01064-3
DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2015.07.023
Reference: YAPMR 56278
Please cite this article as: Wilke J, Krause F, Vogt L, Banzer W, What is evidence-based about
myofascial chains? A systematic review, ARCHIVES OF PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION
(2015), doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2015.07.023.
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Running Head: Evidence for Myofascial chains
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chains? A systematic review
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Jan Wilke (M.A.), Frieder Krause (M.A.), Lutz Vogt (PhD), Winfried Banzer
(PhD)
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Goethe University Frankfurt/Main, Department of Sports Medicine, Frankfurt
am Main, Germany
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Corresponding author:
Jan Wilke
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5 proposed by Myers (1997) based on anatomical dissection studies.
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6 Data sources: Relevant articles published between 1900 and December 2014 were
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8 Study selection: Peer-reviewed human anatomical dissection studies reporting
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9 morphological continuity between the muscular constituents of the examined
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10 meridians were included. If no study demonstrating a structural connection between
11 two muscles was found, papers on general anatomy of the corresponding body
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13 Data extraction: A continuity between two muscles was only documented if two
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14 independent investigators agreed that it was reported clearly. Also, two independent
17 Data synthesis: The literature search identified 6589 articles. Of these, 62 papers
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18 met the inclusion criteria. The studies reviewed suggest strong evidence for the
19 existence of three myofascial meridians: the superficial back line (all three transitions
20 verified, based on 14 studies), the back functional line (all three transitions verified, 8
21 studies) and the front functional line (both transitions verified, 6 studies). Moderate to
22 strong evidence is available for parts of the spiral line (five of nine verified transitions,
23 21 studies) and the lateral line (two of five verified transitions, 10 studies). No
24 evidence exists for the superficial front line (no verified transition, 7 studies).
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25 Conclusions: The present systematic review suggests that most skeletal muscles of
26 the human body are directly linked by connective tissue. Examining the functional
27 relevance of these myofascial chains is the most urgent task of future research.
28 Strain transmission along meridians would both open a new frontier for the
29 understanding of referred pain and provide a rationale for the development of more
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30 holistic treatment approaches.
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32 Keywords: continuity, anatomy trains, meridians, fascia
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34 Abbreviations:
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45 Treatments of fascial tissues have become increasingly popular in musculoskeletal
47 contractile cells, free nerve endings and mechanoreceptors suggests that fascia in
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50 myofascial chains. Such approaches originate from the assumption that the muscles
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51 of the human body do not function as independent units. Instead, they are regarded
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53 components. As fascia can transmit tension14,15 and in view of its proprioceptive and
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disorders and pain radiating to remote anatomical structures. Myers16 defined eleven
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56 myofascial meridians connecting distant parts of the body by means of muscles and
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57 fascial tissues (Fig. 1). The central rule for the selection of a meridian’s components
58 is a direct linear connection between two muscles. For instance, a part of the
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59 superficial back line (Tab.1) is suggested to be formed by M. biceps femoris and the
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60 erector spinae muscle both being linked by means of the sacrotuberous ligament and
61 the lumbar fascia. Even if the biceps femoris also displayed a structural continuity to
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62 the gluteus maximus, this connection would not be considered part of the meridian
due to its curved, non-linear course. Though used and referred to in several
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studies,17-22 the myofascial meridians are based on anecdotal evidence from practice
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65 and have never been verified. Confirming body-wide direct morphological continuity
66 between muscle and fascial tissue would thus yield both an empirical background for
67 such trials and an argument for practitioners to take treatment of complete meridians
68 into consideration. This paper aimed to provide evidence for six of the myofascial
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71 Methods
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74 The present systematic review adhered to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items
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76 investigators performed a systematic literature research. The targeted myofascial
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77 meridians were the superficial back line (SBL), superficial front line (SFL), lateral line
78 (LL), spiral line (SL), back functional line (BFL) and front functional line (FFL; Tab. 1,
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79 Fig.1). For each transition of these meridians, peer reviewed anatomical dissection
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muscles were searched. Animal studies and case reports were excluded; the same
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82 applied to articles in languages other than German and English.
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84 Relevant publications were identified using MEDLINE (Pubmed; searched with MeSH
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85 terms), ScienceDirect and Google Scholar. While search algorithms for Pubmed and
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88 performed in Google Scholar. Here, the first 100 hits for each transition of the
corresponding meridian were screened. If the initial literature research using the
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above described procedure with three databases did not yield any results for a
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92 corresponding body region were targeted and screened for the myofascial
93 connection. Additionally, the reference lists of all detected studies were checked.
94 Data extraction was carried out by two independent investigators and a continuity
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97 The methodological quality of the enclosed studies was evaluated by means of the
98 QUACS scale (QUality Appraisal for Cadaveric Studies) whose reliability and validity
100 dichotomous items, each scored with either zero (no/not stated) or one (yes/clearly
101 present) point. The quality score is calculated in percent. Zero to 20 percent indicate
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102 poor, 21 to 40 percent fair, 41 to 60 percent moderate, 61-80 percent substantial, and
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103 81 to 100 percent excellent methodological quality. Ratings were done by two
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105 decisive vote. For each meridians respectively its transitions, evidence was classified
106 as strong (consistent findings among multiple high quality studies), moderate
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(consistent findings among multiple low quality studies and/or one high quality study),
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108 limited (one low quality study), conflicting (inconsistent findings among multiple
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109 studies), or not existent (no studies available) according to the recommendations of
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113 Results
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The initial literature research yielded 6584 publications. After removing duplicates
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117 and papers not pertaining to the research question exclusion criteria were applied.
118 The resulting sample comprised 62 studies (see Fig. 2). The findings for each
120 transitions are displayed in Tab.3, methodological quality of the included studies is
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123 Strong evidence exists for all transitions of the SBL (based on 14 studies), BFL (8
124 studies) and FFL (6 studies). With regard to the SL (moderate evidence for five of
125 nine transitions, 21 studies) and the LL (moderate to strong evidence for two of five
127 dissection studies is available for the SFL (no verified transition, 7 studies).
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130 Discussion
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The present systematic review provides relevant information for movement therapists
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134 and strength and conditioning coaches. It demonstrates that fascia, besides recently
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135 discovered features such as pain perception and stiffness regulation connects the
136 skeletal muscles forming a body-wide web of myofascial chains. Extensive structural
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137 continuity was clearly verified for three of the six examined meridians (SBL, BFL,
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138 FFL). In addition, findings were at least ambivalent with respect to the LL and SL.
139 The fact that we could only confirm half of both lines’ transitions does not neglect
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140 their existence. Most of the reviewed studies did not specifically search for
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anatomists show increasing interest in fascia, it is well possible that future, more
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143 focused research will verify the remaining myofascial links.88 In contrast to the solid
144 evidence for these five meridians, doubts have to be raised about the existence of
145 the SFL. There is no structural connection between the rectus femoris muscle and M.
146 rectus abdominis. Also, M. sternalis, which is suggested to be the cranial continuation
147 of rectus abdominis, exists only in a small percentage of the population.41-44 Even if
148 present, it does not fuse consistently with the rectus abdominis.41
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149
150 The practical relevance of the present research is twofold. First, the existence of
151 myofascial meridians might help to explain the phenomenon of referred pain which
152 often occurs in nonspecific disorders. For example, myofascial trigger points of the
153 calf have been shown to elicit pain that radiates to the sole of the foot and to the
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154 dorsal thigh.89 As this projection pattern corresponds to the course of the SBL, it
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155 might represent the morphological substrate. A second aspect relates to therapy and
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157 adjacent muscles provides the empirical background to extend diagnostic and
158 therapeutic focus beyond one single anatomical structure. Treatment according to
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myofascial meridians could be effective in reducing low back pain. Several studies
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160 have shown that low back pain patients display reduced hamstring flexibility.90-93 Due
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161 to the direct morphological relationship of the hamstrings and the low back region
162 (both are part of the SBL), relieving tension of the posterior thigh muscles could be a
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164 represent another entity of pathologies which possibly occur due to the presence of
165 myofascial meridians. Recent studies indicate that tightness of the gastrocnemius
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166 and the hamstrings are associated with plantar fasciitis.94-96 As both muscles and the
plantar aponeurosis belong to the SBL, they might represent a target of exercise
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169 adductor longus and a weak rectus abdominis97,98 which according to our results are
170 directly connected in the FFL. The tightening of the adductor may thus develop due
173 Although our review yields solid evidence for the existence of myofascial chains,
174 several aspects call for further study. Future research should be dedicated to the
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175 presence of the meridians which could not be evidenced entirely in this work. Another
176 issue relates to the function of regional specializations which so far remains unclear.
178 concerning thickness, amount of elastic fibers,11 and adherence to the underlying
179 muscle.8 Also, the number of connecting fibers is not uniform and shows
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180 considerable variation for different transistions.27 This holds particular significance as
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181 the structures linking the muscular stations of the meridians encompass tendinous,
182 aponeurotic and ligamentous tissue as well as the deep fascia. Finally, it is of utmost
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183 importance to elucidate the functional significance of the myofascial chains as the
184 capability for strain transfer represents the decisive criterion to justify treatment of
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meridians. Though the available evidence points towards existence of tensile
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186 transmission via myofascial pathways, most experimental research was carried out in
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188 order to draw more precise assumptions on the significance of myofasical chains for
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192 Conclusions
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195 Although the concept of myofascial meridians is widely used in exercise therapy and
196 osteopathic medicine, the scientific basis for the proposed connections is still a
197 matter of debate. The present review provides first systematical evidence based on
198 cadaveric dissection studies. While there is strong evidence for the existence of the
199 SBL, BFL and FFL, it is ambivalent with regard to the SL and LL respectively poor for
200 the SFL. Within its borders, the system of myofascial meridians represents a
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201 promising approach to transfer tensegrity principles into practice. Therapists may use
202 the myofascial chains as a conclusive orientation but should be aware that the
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205
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444 Myofascial force transmission between the latissimus dorsi and gluteus maximus
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450 Fig.1. The six examined myofascial meridians (from left to right: SL, LL, FFL, BFL,
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453 Fig.2. Flow chart displaying the literature research.
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457
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458 Tab.1. Soft tissue components of the included myofascial meridians (modified based
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459 on Myers, 2014)
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461 Tab.2. Databases und algorithms for the literature research
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462
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463 Tab.3 Included studies and morphological details for the examined transitions (N=
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468 Tab.4 Numbers and quality of included studies reporting myofascial continuity
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469 between the constituents of the meridians. Studies on general anatomy are depicted
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470 in brackets.
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Myofascial Meridian Soft tissue components
Superficial back line • plantar fascia
• achilles tendon/ m. gastrocnemius
• Hamstrings (m. biceps femoris, m. semitendinosus, m.
semimembranosus)
• sacrotuberous ligament
• lumbar fascia/erector spinae
Superficial front line • toe extensors, m. tibialis anterior, anterior crural department
• subpatellar tendon
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• m. rectus femoris/quadriceps
• m. rectus abdominis
• m. sternalis/sternochondral fascia
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• m. sternocleidomastoideus
Back functional line • m.vastus lateralis
• m. gluteus maximus
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• lumbar fascia
• m. latissimus dorsi
Front functional line • m. adductor longus
• m. rectus abdominis
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• m. pectoralis major
• lumbar/erector spinae
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Spiral line
• sacrotuberous ligament
• m. biceps femoris
• m. peronaeus longus
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• m. tibialis anterior
• m. tensor fasciae latae, iliotibial tract
• m. obliquus abdominis internus
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Transition N C NA Description
(n) (n)
26 9
Plantar fascia – 4 25/72 - While Kamel and Sakla and Stecco et al. report continuity in all examined cases, state Snow
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Superficial 27 28
back line gastrocnemius (72) et al. and Kim et al. that the link diminishes with increasing age.
29-32 33
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Gastrocnemius – 5 51/52 - Four studies report the semitendinosus to be linked to gastrocnemius, whereas one found
Hamstrings (57) a link between semimembranosus and gastrocnemius
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34
Hamstrings – lumbar fascia/ 5 BF:50 - Martin et al. report fusion of all Hamstrings and erector spinae via sacrotuberous ligament
35 36 37
erector spinae (73) /63 (SL). Sato et al., van Wingerden et al., and Woodley et al. state that biceps femoris blends
38
with the SL in all cases, Vleeming et al. report continuity for 50 %.
U
AN
39,40
Toe extensors/tibialis anterior – - - 2 No studies confirming continuity were found. Two studies on general anatomy did not yield
Superficial rectus femoris indications for a morphological link.
front line (27)
M
Rectus femoris – - - - This transition is only mechanical, thus no literature research was performed for this transition.
rectus abdominis
D
41-45
Rectus abdominis – - - 5 No studies confirming continuity were found. Five studies on general anatomy did not yield
TE
sternalis (496) indications for a morphological link.
41-45
Sternalis – - - 5 No studies confirming continuity were found. Five studies on general anatomy did not yield
EP
sternocleidomastoideus (496) indications for a morphological link.
C
46-48
Latissimus – 3 40/40 - All three studies reported the latissimus to fuse with the lumbar fascia at the superficial
AC
Back
functional Lumbar fascia (60) lamina of the posterior layer.
line
47-51
Lumbar fascia – 5 58/58 - Similar to the latissimus, all studies reported the gluteus maximus to fuse with the lumbar
Gluteus maximus (68) fascia at the superficial lamina of the posterior layer.
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
52 49
Gluteus maximus – 2 42/46 - While Stern states continuity in all examined cases, Stecco et al. observed a fusion of both
vastus lateralis (46) structures in two of six specimen.
PT
53-55
Front Pectoralis major – rectus 3 51/51 - Three studies observed fusion of the pectoralis major fascia and the contralateral rectus
functional abdominis (51) abdominis in each specimen.
RI
line
15,56,57
Rectus abdominis – adductor 3 37/37 - According to three studies a clear continuity of adductor longus to the contralateral rectus
longus sheath was visible in all examined cases.
SC
(37)
U
58
Spiral line Splenius capitis – rhomboideus - - 2 Though no study reporting direct continuity was found, Johnson et al. indicate a decussation
59
minor (19) of fibers, Mercer and Bogduk report collinear orientation of fibers suggesting a possible fusion
AN
of both muscles
60-62
Rhomboids – serratus anterior 3 4/4 - The fusion of rhomboideus major and serratus anterior is stated in three studies. A
61.63
M
(69) morphological connection of rhomboideus minor is reported only by two papers.
62,64,65
Serratus anterior – external 3 40/40 - The authors of three studies describe intersections or interdigitations of both muscles at
D
th th
abdominal oblique (68) the lateral arch of the 5 to the 10 rib.
TE
66-70
External – internal abdominal 5 245/2 - According to five studies, the external abdominal oblique sends aponeurotic extensions to
oblique (417) 45 the contralateral internal oblique.
EP
Internal abdominal oblique – - - 2 No studies confirming continuity were found. Also, studies on general anatomy did not yield
71,72
tensor fasciae latae (40) any indications for a morphological link.
C
tensor fasciae latae – tibialis - - 3 No studies confirming continuity were found. Also, studies on general anatomy did not yield
AC
73-75
anterior (90) any indications for a morphological link.
76-78
Tibialis anterior – - - 3 No studies confirming continuity were found. Also, studies on general anatomy did not yield
peroneus longus (132) any indications for a morphological link.
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
79,80
Peroneus longus – 3 23/23 - El Gharbawy in two studies observed biceps femoris to send aponeurotic fibers to the
81
biceps femoris (44) lateral surface of peroneus longus, Marshall et al. describe the middle expansion of the biceps
femoris blending with peroneus fascia
PT
35
Biceps femoris – 5 50/63 - As stated for the superficial backline, evidence is conflicting. While Sato et al. report
38
erector spinae (73) continuity in all cases, Vleeming et al. found both structures to fuse only in half of examined
specimen.
RI
Peroneals – - - 2 No studies confirming continuity were found. Also, studies on general anatomy did not indicate
SC
Lateral line 73
iliotibial tract (47) a morphological link though Vieira et al. state that the iliotibial tract extends to the crural
fascia
U
8,49,50,82,83
Iliotibial tract – gluteus 5 - Five studies found a consistent connection of gluteus maximus respectively the tensor
maximus/tensor fasciae latae fascia latae to the iliotibial tract.
AN
(61)
84
Gluteus maximus/Tensor fasciae 1 - One study reported the external oblique to fuse with fascia lata whose caudal continuation is
85
M
latae – abdominal obliques (29) tensor fasciae latae. No study stated a link of gluteus maximus to the lateral abdominals.
86,87
Abdominal obliques – - - 2 No studies confirming continuity were found. Two studies on general anatomy did not yield
D
intercostals (80) indications for a morphological link.
TE
86,87
Intercostals – splenius - - 2 No studies confirming continuity were found. Two studies on general anatomy did not yield
capitis/sternocleidomastoideus (80) indications for a morphological link.
C EP
AC
1
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
Total Excellent Substantial Moderate Fair Poor
Superficial back line 14 1 4 7 2 -
Superficial front line 0 (7) - (7) - - -
Back functional line 8 1 3 4 - -
Front functional line 7 3 3 - 1 -
Spiral line 13 (8) - 2 (3) 10 (5) 1 -
Lateral line 6 (4) - 6 1 (3) - (1)
1
PT
RI
U SC
AN
M
D
TE
C EP
AC
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
PT
RI
U SC
AN
M
D
TE
EP
C
AC
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
PT
RI
U SC
AN
M
D
TE
EP
C
AC