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

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Musculoskeletal system
• Sports medicine

Background:

• Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain.
• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a manual therapy technique used to treat soft tissue dysfunction.
• The effects of IASTM on plantar fascia and abductor hallucis stiffness are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of IASTM on the plantar surface on abductor hallucis and plantar fascia stiffness.
• To assess changes in medial longitudinal arch height under different loading conditions after IASTM.
• To determine if IASTM impacts foot structure.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-eight young men participated in a randomized controlled trial.
• IASTM was applied to one foot, with the other serving as a control.
• Ultrasonography and a foot-scan system were used to measure tissue stiffness, navicular height, and foot contact area.

Main Results:

• IASTM significantly decreased plantar fascia stiffness by 10.8%.
• No significant changes were observed in abductor hallucis stiffness, navicular height, or foot contact area.
• Plantar fascia stiffness reduction was correlated with pre-IASTM stiffness levels.

Conclusions:

• IASTM effectively reduces plantar fascia stiffness.
• IASTM does not appear to alter abductor hallucis stiffness or foot structure.
• Further research is needed to explore the clinical implications of these findings.