The purpose of this study will be to compare the effects of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization at different muscle lengths on pain pressure thresholds and measures of flexibility.
Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is a widely used manual therapy technique, which aims at reducing pain and improving range of motion. Evidence regarding acute responses to instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization at different muscle lengths is lacking. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to conduct a cross-over trial and compare the acute effects of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization at short and long muscle lengths of the calf muscles on pain pressure thresholds and measures of flexibility.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
24
We will perform instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization on calf muscles. The intervention will last 9 min. For the first minute of treatment light pressure will be applied for tissue preparation. Afterwards, four different strokes will be applied by maintaining the tool at a 30° of inclination for one minute. This will be repeated for a second set, with a tool inclination of 45°.
University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences
Izola, Primorska, Slovenia
Pain pressure threshold
Pain pressure threshold will be measured via handheld algometer on the proximal third of the distance between medial condyle of the femur and lateral malleolus.
Time frame: 30 minutes
Passive dorsiflexion range of motion
Passive dorsiflexion will be measured via two wooden boards connected with a hinge. We will apply a standardized torque of 30,9 Nm via handheld dynamometer. Each visit, participants will be measured before and after the performed intervention.
Time frame: 30 minutes
Stand and reach test
With the help of a standardized measuring tool, participants will activelly bend as low as possible.
Time frame: 30 minutes
Lumbar spine flexibility
Sagittal profile of the spine will be measured measured via device: Idiag M360 (MediMouse, Idiag AG, Fehraltorf, Switzerland). End range of motion of the whole lumbar spine was recorded.
Time frame: 30 minutes
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