Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) versus stretching: A comparison in effectiveness on hip active range of motion, muscle torque and power in people with hamstring tightness

Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization in healthy adults acutely changes the tissue stiffness

This study clarified whether instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) on the plantar surface changes abductor hallucis and plantar fascia stiffness at rest and medial longitudinal arch height under low- and high-loading conditions. IASTM was performed to one foot of the twenty-eight young men (IASTM condition), and the other foot of them was assigned to the control condition. Using ultrasonography, the resting shear wave propagation velocity of the abductor hallucis and plantar fascia and navicular height in a seated posture were determined. The foot contact area during quiet standing was measured using a foot-scan system. The shear wave propagation velocity of the plantar fascia significantly decreased by 10.8% in the IASTM condition but did not change significantly in the control condition. The magnitude of change in the shear wave propagation velocity of the plantar fascia was negatively correlated (r=- 0.660) with the shear wave propagation velocity of the plantar fascia before IASTM. The interaction of time and condition was not significant for the shear wave propagation velocity of the abductor hallucis, navicular height, or foot contact area. The current study revealed that IASTM on the plantar surface affected tissue stiffness but did not change the structure of the foot.

The Effects of Different Myofascial Release Techniques on Pain, Range of Motion, and Muscle Strength in Athletes With Iliotibial Band Tightness: A Randomized Controlled Study

CONTEXT

We designed this study to investigate the effects of 2 myofascial release techniques, Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Foam Roller (FR), on pain, joint range of motion, and muscle strength in athletes suffering from iliotibial band (ITB) tightness.

DESIGN

A total of 39 male soccer players were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial, aged between 18 and 23 years who were divided into 3 groups: Only Exercise, IASTM, and FR.

METHODS

All participants performed daily strengthening and stretching exercises, while 1 group added IASTM, and the other added FR to the exercise program. We evaluated ITB tightness with the Ober test and an inclinometer, pressure pain threshold, using an algometer, and we evaluated muscle strength with the Cybex Norm Isokinetic device.

RESULTS

We found that all 3 groups exhibited an increase in the Ober inclination angle after the interventions (P = .001), but the increase was greater for participants in the IASTM and FR groups, compared with exercise alone. Additionally, both the IASTM and FR groups displayed an increased pressure pain threshold (P = .001), whereas there was no change in the control group. Moreover, while all 3 groups experienced an increase in hip muscle strength (P = .001), the IASTM and FR groups exhibited a greater increase compared with exercise alone (P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on these findings, exercise improves pain, range of motion, and muscle strength in athletes with ITB tightness, and IASTM, and FR techniques enhanced exercise effects but did not differ from one another. While our study demonstrated that both IASTM and FR techniques significantly enhance the benefits of exercise for athletes with ITB tightness, further research could delve into the long-term effects of these interventions.

Normative value of deep neck flexors muscle strength measurement using pressure biofeedback unit and sphygmomanometer: An observational study

PURPOSE

To find out the normative value of deep neck flexor muscles strength using pressure biofeedback unit and sphygmomanometer.

METHODS

The healthy individuals both male and female aged between 18 and 25 years were recruited by stratified random sampling method from a tertiary hospital. The procedure is performed with the patient in supine lying with the neck in a neutral position. To check strength, pressure biofeedback unit and sphygmomanometer were placed under occiput and ask the individual to do the movement is genteelly and slowly as a head nodding action (chin tuck). The performance was scored via the pressure level that patient achieves 3 repetitions for 10 s hold and interval timing for 10 s. And the pressure biofeedback unit and sphygmomanometer inflated with 40 mmHg and took three reading respectively.

RESULT

Our result shows, in decreased of deep neck cervical flexor muscle Strength with age group 21 (20-22) in normal adult and underweight with age group 21 (19-23) and with BMI 21 (20.1-22.4) and 16.6 (16.1-17.6) respectively. In our study, the deep neck flexor strength of overweight adults with age group 22 (21-23) and with BMI 27.8 (25.9-29.4) is stronger is than the normal and underweight adults.

CONCLUSION

The study concluded that the maximal Deep neck cervical flexor strength of overweight Adults is stronger than normal and underweight Adults. The difference is maintained in all age groups. The maximal Deep neck cervical flexor strength, for flexion is developed at neutral position of neck.

Unknotting tech neck by breaking the cycle of pain and disability: Comparing the impact of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization on specific muscles and superficial back arm line

BACKGROUND

Computer professionals often develop a forward head posture due to prolonged hours of computer use, leading to neck pain. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), an advanced technique for treating myofascial trigger points, has become increasingly popular for addressing these musculoskeletal issues.

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of IASTM mobilization on SBAL (superficial back arm line) and SM(specific muscles-upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and sternocleidomastoid) in managing chronic neck pain among computer professionals.

PARTICIPANTS & METHODS

The study involved 62 computer professionals, randomly divided into two groups. Group A received IASTM on SBAL and group B received IASTM on SM for neck pain each receiving three sessions weekly for four weeks. Outcome variables like Neck Disability Index (NDI), NPRS(Neck Pain Rating Scale), Craniovertebral angle (CVA), and range of motion (ROM) for flexion, and side flexion (right & left side) were evaluated at baseline, 2 weeks and 4 weeks.

RESULTS

Significant improvement in NPRS were observed in both the SBAL and SM groups after 2 weeks of IASTM, wth the SBAL group demonstrating greater improvement. At 4 weeks, IASTM on SBAL showed significantly higher improvements in NPRS, CVA, NDI, and flexion compared to the SM group. The repeated measures ANOVA indicated a significant main effect of both time and group, along with a significant interaction between time and group for all outcome variables, except for CVA.

CONCLUSION

The study indicates that IASTM on SBAL may offer a more effective treatment for chronic neck pain in computer professionals compared to targeting specific muscles.

Effectiveness of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization versus foam rolling on trigger point release in calf muscles

BACKGROUND

Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization and foam rolling are two techniques that have been proven effective in treating Myofascial Trigger Points, irrespective of the type of trigger point. However, little is known about the comparative effectiveness of Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization and foam rolling. This study proposed to evaluate the effectiveness of either technique on plantar flexors trigger points, ankle dorsiflexion, and lower limb power present in the calf muscles in non-symptomatic patients.

METHOD

Forty-two subjects with bilateral calf muscle tightness, at least one trigger point in the calf muscle, and fulfilling the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either of the groups. Group A was treated for gastrocnemius and soleus trigger points using Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization and Group B was treated using the Foam Rolling method. Treatment was given every alternate day, a total of 3 sessions. Subjects were evaluated on 1st and 3rd sessions for pre-post differences of ankle dorsiflexion Range of motion in weight bearing and non-weight bearing position, pressure pain threshold for gastrocnemius trigger point 1(G1), 2(G2), and soleus point 1(S1) on both sides, and lower limb power.

RESULT

Within group analyses, both groups had shown statistically significant results for all parameters except gastrocnemius trigger point 2 of foam rolling. For between group comparison foam rolling had a statistically significant result in non-weight bearing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion.

CONCLUSION

Both Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization and Foam rolling were equally effective for treating calf trigger points. But foam rolling was more effective in improving ankle dorsiflexion range of motion.

Correlation Between Foot Posture and Hamstring Muscle Tightness

Background  The hamstring muscle is related to the lumbar spine, pelvic, and lower limb movement dysfunction, as well as low back pain and abnormal gait. The kinematic chain's distal elements dysfunctions may affect the body's proximal segments. There is a biomechanical connection between the foot and proximal segments of the body and its effect on the body's functional status, but there is a lack of research that focuses on the correlation between foot posture and hamstring muscle tightness. The study aimed to find the correlation between hamstring muscle tightness and foot posture using the foot posture index (FPI). Methods After obtaining ethical committee approval, necessary authorization was obtained from relevant authorities to proceed with participant screening. Informed consent was obtained from every participant, accompanied by a comprehensive explanation of the study. Screening of participants was conducted based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. These criteria were crucial for selecting a homogeneous sample and ensuring the study's objectives were met. The assessment of foot posture was carried out using FPI, and hamstring tightness was examined using an active knee extension test. Result and discussion In our study, which included 188 participants aged between 18 and 25 (mean age: 21.91±1.97), we examined the correlation between FPI and active knee extension (AKE) test results. Using Pearson's correlation coefficient, we found a statistically significant correlation between the FPI and AKE test results. For the right side, the r-value was 0.678 (p-value = 0.0001); for the left side, the r-value was 0.653 (p-value = 0.0001); and for the total, the r-value was 0.663 (p-value = 0.0001). These findings indicate a significant relationship between the FPI and AKE test results. Conclusion The findings of our study revealed a significant relationship between hamstring tightness and pronation of the foot, as measured by the FPI. Understanding this relationship is crucial as it sheds light on the potential impact of hamstring tightness on foot biomechanics. By establishing this link, our study contributes to the body of knowledge surrounding the prevention of alterations in foot biomechanics. It highlights the importance of addressing hamstring tightness to mitigate potential foot pronation issues. Moreover, the study serves as a stepping stone for future research endeavors. It lays the groundwork for further large-scale investigations that encompass a broader range of age groups.

Acute effects of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization technique on pain and joint position error in individuals with chronic neck pain: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE/AIM

The aim of this study was to determine the acute effects of IASTM on cervical joint position error and pain in individuals with chronic neck pain.

METHODS

A total of 39 individuals with chronic neck pain were included in this study. Participants were randomized into three groups: Instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization(IASTM (n = 13), sham (n = 13), and control (n = 13). In the IASTM group, intervention was applied to the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles with an application time of 45 s and a frequency of 60 beats/min. In the sham group, IASTM was applied at a 90° angle without pressure. The control group did not receive any intervention. The pain severity and joint position error(JPE) were evaluated before and after the intervention, by using the visual analogue scale and a cervical range of motion device.

RESULTS

The effects of time and treatment group on visual analogue scale(VAS) score were statistically significant (p = .001). Instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization was more effective in VAS score than sham and control group (p < .001). Significant improvement was found in JPE in all range of motions of the cervical region in the instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization group (p < .05). In the sham group, significant improvements were observed in cervical extension, left rotation, and left lateral flexion movements in JPE during each cervical spine active movement (p < .05). Instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization group was more effective in JPE all directions than sham and control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization may be a useful technique in individuals with chronic neck pain. Instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization decreases VAS and improves JPE.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04882397 (05 August 2021).

Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Increased Hamstring Mobility

CONTEXT

Limited research reveals that the use of different soft tissue mobilization techniques increases tissue mobility in different regions of the body.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a difference between administering instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and therapeutic cupping (TC) on hamstring tightness.

DESIGN

Subjects attended one session wherein treatment and leg order were randomized before attending the session. A statistical analysis was completed using a 2 (intervention) × 2 (time) repeated-measures analysis of variance at α level ≤ .05.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-three subjects between the age of 18-35 years old with bilateral hamstring tightness participated in this study.

INTERVENTIONS

The IASTM and TC were administered on different legs for 5 minutes and over the entire area of the hamstring muscles. One TC was moved over the entire treatment area in a similar fashion as the IASTM.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The intervention measurements included soreness numeric rating scale, Sit-n-Reach (single leg for side being tested), goniometric measurement for straight-leg hip-flexion motion, and superficial skin temperature. The timeline for data collection included: (1) intervention measurements for the first randomized leg, (2) 5-minute treatment with the first intervention treatment, (3) intervention measurements repeated for postintervention outcomes, and (4) repeat the same steps for 1 to 3 with the contralateral leg and the other intervention.

RESULTS

There was a main effect over time for Sit-n-Reach, measurement (pre-IASTM-29.50 [8.54], post-IASTM-32.11 [8.31] and pre-TC-29.67 [8.21], post-TC-32.05 [8.25]) and goniometric measurement (pre-IASTM-83.45 [13.86], post-IASTM-92.73 [13.20] and pre-TC-83.76 [11.97], post-TC-93.67 [12.15]; P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Both IASTM and TC impacted hamstring mobility during a single treatment using only an instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization technique without any additional therapeutic intervention.

Effectiveness of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization for the management of upper body, lower body, and spinal conditions. An updated systematic review with meta-analyses

PURPOSE

To critically appraise randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (IASTM) and quantify the effects of IASTM compared with other treatment individuals with or without pathologies on function, pain, and range of motion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We search four electronic databases from January 1999 to January 2022 and included RCTs of healthy participants/athletes and people with upper, lower, or spinal conditions, who received IASTM versus other active treatment for clinical outcomes (function, pain, and range of motion).

RESULTS

Forty-six RCTs were considered eligible for data analysis. Effects of IASTM plus other treatment versus other treatment on function and pain intensity were not statistically significant or clinically meaningful (very low quality, SMD -0.28, 95% CI -0.66 to 0.09) and (very low quality, SMD -0.05, 95% CI -0.53 to 0.43) at up to one-year follow-up respectively. No clinically meaningful improvements were found on range of motion outcomes. Out of the 46 included RCTs, only 10 assessed and reported IASTM-related adverse events.

CONCLUSION

Evidence of very low-quality certainty does not support the efficacy of IASTM in individuals with or without various pathologies on function, pain, and range of motion in the management of upper body, lower body, or spinal conditions. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe included RCTs had a high risk of bias and were assessed as very-low quality evidence for all the included outcomes.IASTM does not lead to clinically meaningful improvements in function, pain, or range of motion in individuals with upper body, lower body, and spinal conditions.The publication of IASTM trials in suspected predatory journals is increasing.The available evidence on IASTM does not support its use to improve function, pain, or range of motion in individuals with upper body, lower body, and spinal conditions.Health care practitioners should consider other evidence-based management strategies (physical activity and exercise) to improve function, pain, or range of motion in individuals with musculoskeletal injuries and disorders.Given the rise of publications on IASTM in suspected predatory journals, health care practitioners should be judicious to examine the legitimacy of a journal when searching for evidence on IASTM treatment technique.