The Effects of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization with High-frequency Diathermy on Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion, Gastrocnemius Tone, and Stiffness in Adults with Limited Ankle Dorsiflexion

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) with high-frequency diathermy (HFD) on ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (RoM), gastrocnemius tone (GT), and gastrocnemius stiffness (GS) in adults with limited ankle dorsiflexion. Thirty adults with limited ankle dorsiflexion were participated in this study. The study design was single blinded randomized controlled study. Dr. You STM and WINBACK equipment were used to apply instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization and high frequency diathermy. Experimental group applied the IASTM+HFD, control group applied IASTM only. Each group intervention were performed 5 minute. The ankle dorsiflexion RoM was measured by goniometer, GT and GS were measured MyotonPRO. The dorsiflexion RoM, GT, and GS were significantly improved in both groups (p<0.05). The dorsiflexion RoM was significantly increased in the IASTM+HFD group compared to the IASTM group (p<0.05). The GT, and GS were significantly decreased in the IASTM+HFD group compared to the control group (p<0.05). These findings suggest that IASTM+HFD was more effective technique for dorsiflexion RoM and GT, GS