Acute effect of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization on hamstring flexibility via fascial chain

Soft tissue techniques are frequently used to treat musculoskeletal disorders. Releasing the muscles through intervention from remote areas is especially important in cases where the muscles are sensitive, inaccessible or cannot be positioned appropriately. This study aimed to examine the effect of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) on hamstring flexibility via the fascial chain.

35 healthy individuals were included in the study. Straight leg raise (SLR) and popliteal angle (PA) measurements were performed to measure hamstring flexibility. IASTM was applied to the triceps surae muscle and plantar fascia on the non-dominant sides of the participants. The non-dominant legs of the individuals constituted the intervention group, while no intervention was applied to their dominant legs, designated as the control group.

Each group significantly differed in the SLR and PA before and after intervention (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). There was no difference in SLR and PA between groups at the beginning and end (p > 0.05). There was no difference between the groups regarding the SLR and PA measurement changes from baseline to post-intervention (p = 0.583, p = 0.892).

According to the current study results, a single session of IASTM applied to remote areas does not increase hamstring flexibility.

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05750550, Date: 19/02/2023.