The Immediate Effects of Instrumented-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Range of Motion, Strength, and Power in the Lower Extremity: A Critically Appraised Topic

Abstract

Focused Clinical Question: What are the immediate effects of instrumented-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) application on measures of lower extremity range of motion, muscular power, and strength in physically active adults not currently suffering from a musculoskeletal injury? Clinical Bottom Line: Grade 1 evidence supports immediate improvements in lower extremity range of motion in physically active adults after IASTM application. However, the evidence is lacking to support IASTM to improve muscular power and strength. Therefore, additional research is warranted to determine the acute effects of IASTM use on muscular power and strength in healthy, physically active adults.

Exploring Force Production Reliability across Different Levels of Clinical Experience during a Simulated One-handed Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Treatment: A Pilot Study

“…[1][2][3] The more targeted force transmission is thought to result in soft tissue healing, collagen repair, resolution of scar tissue, and connective tissue remodeling. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] Further, IASTM is also thought to minimize clinician fatigue and enhance clinician detection of soft tissue anomalies. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] Multiple theories regarding the mechanism of effect of IASTM have been proposed, with mechanical and neurophysiological theories often being cited.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] Further, IASTM is also thought to minimize clinician fatigue and enhance clinician detection of soft tissue anomalies. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] Multiple theories regarding the mechanism of effect of IASTM have been proposed, with mechanical and neurophysiological theories often being cited. Mechanical theory advocates often suggest that IASTM provides pressure and shearing forces to release and address adhesions, fascial restriction, and scar tissue facilitated through the inflammatory phase of the tissue healing process.…”

“…Mechanical theory advocates often suggest that IASTM provides pressure and shearing forces to release and address adhesions, fascial restriction, and scar tissue facilitated through the inflammatory phase of the tissue healing process. [6][7][8][9] Neurophysiological theory advocates, in contrast, propose IASTM causes stimulation of both the high and low threshold mechanoreceptors. [10][11][12] The stimulation also activates the ascending afferent pathways that signal the natural physiological response of the body, causing blood flow changes and mechanoreceptor activity after an IASTM session.…”

“…[10][11][12] Clinicians have several IASTM instruments and training programs available to them, including, but not limited to, Técnica Gavilán®, RockBlades®, Edge Mobility System™, Fascial Abrasion Technique™, and the Graston Tech-nique®. 2,7 Several IASTM companies offer training programs with specific protocols, while others do not promote specific protocols or require training for instrument purchase. 2,7 Little is known regarding how differences in manufactured IASTM instruments (e.g., instrument weight, beveling, number of edges, etc.…”

“…2,7 Several IASTM companies offer training programs with specific protocols, while others do not promote specific protocols or require training for instrument purchase. 2,7 Little is known regarding how differences in manufactured IASTM instruments (e.g., instrument weight, beveling, number of edges, etc. ), variations in IASTM training, or proposed manufacturer IASTM treatment protocols influence force production during treatment or patient outcomes.…”