Effects Of Instrument-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Research Articles

Immediate Effects of Instrument-Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization Versus Dry Needling on Trigger Point Pain and Tightness of Calf Muscles in Long-Distance Runners.

Introduction Muscle tightness is frequently identified as a potential precursor to muscle injuries. Reclaiming flexibility and enhancing range of motion (ROM) is crucial for preventing injuries and achieving improvements in performance.The present study examines the immediate effects of instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization (IASTM) and dry needling (DN) in reducing trigger point pain and calf tightness in long-distance runners. Methodology A total of 40 long-distance runners were recruited in the study (30 males and 10 females). The procedure was performed under the author's surveillance at the sports complex. These recruited players were placed into two groups: the IASTM (n=20) and the DN (n=20) group.The outcome measures used were the pressure algometer for assessing pain pressure threshold and the lunge test. An iPhone Measure app (Measure app, Apple App Store 2023) is used to assess ankle dorsiflexion ROM. The evaluation took place both prior to and immediately following the interventionand 48 hours after the intervention. Result The analysis within each group revealed a significant alteration in pain pressure threshold for both the IASTM and DN groups (p≤0.05), along with a relative enhancement in ankle dorsiflexion ROMobserved in the IASTM group (p≤0.05). Between-group analysis revealed a notable difference with an effect size difference of Cohen's d=1.06 (large difference) in pain pressure threshold, d=0.21 (small difference) in lunge test, and d=0.57 (medium difference) in ankle dorsiflexion ROM. Conclusion The present study concludes that both groups, IASTM and DN, showed significant effects in improving pain pressure threshold in long-distance runners. However, DN showed better results. IASTM showed significant results in enhancing the ankle dorsiflexion ROM immediately. This implies thatit can be used in conjunction with stretching to decrease pain and enhance flexibility, hence improving performance and preventing injuries.

The Effects of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, Tissue Flossing, and Kinesiology Taping on Shoulder Functional Capacities in Amateur Athletes.

Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), tissue flossing, and kinesiology taping are increasingly popular treatments among athletes for improving functional performance, despite limited evidence for their efficacy. Previous research regarding the efficacy of soft tissues and neuromuscular techniques on improving functional capacity of shoulder joints in athletes has yielded conflicting results. We examined the immediate and short-term effects of IASTM, flossing, and kinesiology taping on the functional capacities of amateur athletes' shoulders. Randomized controlled study. Clinical assessment laboratory. Eighty amateur overhead athletes (mean [SD]: age = 23.03 [1.89]; weight = 78.36 [5.32]; height = 1.77 [.11]). We randomly assigned participants to 4 research sub-groups in which they received the following treatments on their dominant shoulders: IASTM (n = 20), flossing (n = 20), both IASTM and flossing (n = 20), and kinesiology tape (n = 20). Nondominant shoulders served as controls. We evaluated participants-before, immediately after, and 45minutes after the therapeutic interventions-with the following tests: internal and external shoulder rotation range of motion, isokinetic strength and total work, the functional throwing performance index, and the one-arm seated shot put throw performance. All therapeutic interventions significantly improved the strength and functional performance of the dominant shoulder in comparison with the control (P < .005) immediately after and 45minutes after the treatment. The IASTM led to significantly greater improvement in shoulder internal rotation than kinesiology taping immediately after (P = .049) and 45minutes after the treatment (P = .049). We observed no significant differences between the other treatment interventions (P > .05). Findings from the current study support the use of novel soft tissue and neuromuscular techniques for the immediate and short-term improvement of the shoulder functional capacities in amateur overhead athletes.

Effects of instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization at three different application angles on hamstring surface thermal responses.

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the thermal skin responses (thermal buildup and retention rate) to instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) procedures applied on hamstrings at different angles. [Participants and Methods] Thirty university students (age: 20 ± 4 years, weight: 70.61 ± 9.11 kg, height: 168.5 ± 7.5 cm) received three sessions of 10-min Ergon® IASTM treatment on their dominant limbs’ hamstrings at 20°, 60°, and 90° application angles, respectively. The skin temperature was measured with a thermometer immediately before and after treatment, and every minute thereafter until it returned to the baseline value. [Results] IASTM resulted in a significant increase in skin temperature irrespective of the application angle. The thermal retention rate produced by the treatment at a 90° angle was significantly higher than that produced by the 20° application angle (78.9 vs. 64.53 min). No significant differences were observed between the 60° and 90° angle applications (72.5 vs. 78.9 min). [Conclusion] IASTM application at 60° and 90° angles can increase and retain the hamstring’s skin temperature for more than an hour, creating the conditions for potential positive adaptations to local metabolism and muscle tone.

Effect of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage and Fibrotic Factor: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and ObjectiveThe instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a form of mechanical stimulation. This treatment is known to provide an effective way to improve muscle function and attenuate muscle pain. However, limited study showed the effect of the IASTM on acute condition such as exercise-induced muscle damage. This study aimed to examine the effects of IASTM on exercise-induced muscle dam-age and fibrotic factor. Material and MethodsSixteen healthy male college students were randomly assigned to IASTM (n=8) and control (n=8). After performing two sets of 25 eccentric contractions of elbow flexors, IASTM was applied for 8 min immediately and 48 h after exercise. Maximal isometric strength (MIS), muscle soreness, and creatine kinase (CK) activity were measured as indicators of muscle damage. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) levels were assessed as a fibrotic factor. ResultsThe recovery of MIS was faster (control vs. IASTM: 96 h: 60.7% ± 7.9% vs. 89.1% ± 10.4%, P 0.05). ConclusionIASTM may be an effective method for reducing scar tissue and restoring muscle function quickly after exercise-induced muscle damage.

Effects of instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization on ankle range of motion and triceps surae pressure pain sensitivity

BackgroundWithin the practice of physical medicine, instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization (IASTM) is increasing in popularity. However, the intervention is still in its infancy and important clinical issues require elucidation; among these are the effects on asymptomatic individuals.MethodsTwenty healthy males were allocated randomly to either 3 minutes of high-pressure IASTM or active self-stretch of the triceps surae muscles. Each individual served as his own control. Pre-post observations of active ankle range of motion, pressure-pain sensitivity and the occurrence of postintervention petechial haemorrhage were made.ResultsA significant within-group increase in ankle range of motion was observed for both groups, but no significant between-group differences were noted. Pressure-pain sensitivity remained essentially unchanged. No petechiae were detected postintervention.ConclusionNotwithstanding the limitations of this relatively small study and in relation to healthy individuals, IASTM increased active range of motion to the same extent as active self-stretch. Heavydose IASTM did not influence pain-pressure sensitivity and petechiae did not develop.LAY ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to observe whether treatment with a steel mobilization tool would relax muscles, reduce pain (by reducing sensitivity to pressure) and, if used aggressively, would result in superficial bleeding under the skin. Healthy men were asked to perform a calf stretch in one leg. Then 3 min of instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization was performed on their other calf using strong pressure. Relaxation was observed in both ankles after the intervention, indicating a similar degree of improved stretch. Surprisingly, pressure sensitivity did not change, indicating that the participants’ bodies did not get used to the pressure. Finally, the instrument caused no superficial bleeding despite being applied with heavy pressure and over a long period of time.

Therapeutic effectiveness of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization for soft tissue injury: mechanisms and practical application

This article reviews the mechanism and effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), along with guidelines for its practical application. IASTM refers to a technique that uses instruments to remove scar tissues from injured soft tissues and facilitate healing process through formation of new extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen. Recently, frequent use of this instrument has increased in the fields of sports rehabilitation and athlete training. Some experimental studies and case reports have reported that IASTM can significantly improve soft tissue function and range of motion following sports injury, while also reducing pain. Based on the previous studies, it is thought that IASTM can help shorten the rehabilitation period and time to return to sports among athletes and ordinary people who have suffered sports injuries. However, few experimental studies of the mechanisms and effects of IASTM have examined, while case reports have accounted for the majority of articles. In the future, the scientific basis of IASTM and its reliability should be provided through well-designed experimental studies on humans. Moreover, IASTM studies that have mostly focused on tendons need to broaden their scope toward other soft tissues such as muscles and ligaments.

Instrument-assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation: Evidence for its Emerging Efficacy

Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a form of mechanotherapy used frequently by clinicians in the treatment of common musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this short review was to provide an overview of the literature related to modern day IASTM practice approaches. Thirty-seven articles were included which, although difficult to compare due to differences in techniques and study designs, indicate the beneficial effects of IASTM. Various levels of emerging evidence suggest the efficacy of IASTM as a mechano-therapeutic intervention, however, more well-designed studies with larger samples sizes, including randomized controlled clinical trials, are needed to further substantiate its efficacy and establish its effectiveness.