Myofascial Compression Interventions: Comparison of Roller Massage, Instrument Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization, and Floss Band on Passive Knee Motion Among Inexperienced Individuals

Abstract

Myofascial compression interventions have become popular in rehabilitation and fitness. To date, no studies have directly compared roller massage, instrument assisted soft-tissue mobilization, and floss band among unexperienced individuals. The primary purpose of this investigation was to compare the immediate post-intervention effects of roller massage, instrument assisted soft-tissue mobilization, and floss band on passive knee range of motion (ROM) among inexperienced individuals using a standard treatment time. The secondary purpose was to determine the interchangeability of the interventions and to provide preliminary research for longer-term comparison studies. This pretest, posttest randomized controlled trial was conducted in a university laboratory. Thirty participants (M=15, W=15) were randomly assigned to three groups: (1) foam roller, (2) instrument assisted soft-tissue mobilization, and (3) floss band. The intervention time for each group was 2-minutes. The outcome was passive knee ROM. Between group analysis revealed a statistically significant post-intervention difference between the three interventions for passive knee flexion ROM (p <.001). Within group comparison for ROM revealed a 2 degree (p<.001) post-intervention increase for roller massage, a 3.5-degree (p<.001) increase for the instrument assisted soft-tissue mobilization, and a 4-degree (p<.001) increase for the floss band. The three interventions produced similar immediate post-intervention effects on passive knee ROM among inexperienced individuals. Clinically, these interventions may be interchangeable by producing similar effects on knee ROM. Clinicians may want to consider these finding prior to administering these interventions with their clients.