The goal of this clinical trial is to study the effects of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) in healthy adult volunteers. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does IASTM treatment have an effect on range of motion (ROM) as measured in the elbow, wrist and thumb? * Does IASTM treatment have an effect on grip strength? Researchers will compare pre-test and post-test IASTM treatment intervention data to the pre-test and post-test data of the no treatment control intervention to see if IASTM works to change ROM and/or grip strength. Participants will: * Complete a questionnaire on medical history and injury background * Have elbow, wrist, and thumb range of motion (ROM) measurements taken on both upper extremities using a goniometer * Undergo grip strength testing using a JAMAR hand dynamometer in three positions on both upper extremities * Be randomly assigned to either IASTM first treatment group or the wait/control first group * Receive IASTM treatment techniques including application of emollient to the skin to reduce friction on the surface followed by scanning the forearm wrist flexors and wrist extensors and the biceps and triceps using the HG8-Scanner tool and then the concave tool corresponding to the size of the structure being treated will be used (HG6-Large Multi-Curve, HG5-Medium Multi-Curve, HG4-Small Multi-Curve) in each direction for a total treatment time of 20 minutes for both upper extremities in all listed areas. * Simply wait for 20 minutes (the duration of time treatment with IASTM would require) when assigned to the control group. * Complete elbow, wrist and thumb range of motion and grip strength measurement testing at the end of the first session. * Return within fourteen days after the first session in order to undergo the opposite experience (IASTM first means wait/control second and vice versa). * Undergo the same baseline pre-test measurements for range of motion and grip strength as the first session. * Experience the opposite treatment group for the same time period as the first session. * Undergo the post-test range of motion and grip strength testing at the end of the second session for data comparison.
No further information to note than what is described in the summary or elsewhere
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
72
Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization was utilized first on day one and wait-control was completed on second day.
This intervention involved waiting for 20 minutes between pre-test and post-test on day one and having Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on day two.
Minot State University
Minot, North Dakota, United States
Range of Motion
Bilateral elbow flexion and extension, wrist flexion, extension, ulnar deviation and radial deviation as well as thumb flexion, abduction and extension range of motion measurements were taken in sitting using a goniometer.
Time frame: From baseline to end of session at one hour
Grip Strength
Grip strength was assessed bilaterally using a JAMAR hand dynamometer. Three positions were tested. First the participant flexed their shoulder to 90 degrees with the elbow kept straight. Then the participant kept their arm down and their side with the elbow bent to 90 degrees. Finally the participant kept their arm down and straightened the elbow. Three trials were used for each position.
Time frame: From baseline to end of session at one hour
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