To determine the efficacy of IASTM as an adjunct to therapeutic exercises on pain, range of motion, and functional performance in individuals with knee OA.
Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of chronic pain and functional limitation, particularly in older adults, and is associated with soft tissue restrictions, quadriceps weakness, and reduced joint mobility. Therapeutic exercise remains a cornerstone of conservative management, but persistent myofascial restrictions may limit its full benefit. Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) has been proposed as an adjunct technique to address fascial adhesions, improve tissue extensibility, and enhance the outcomes of exercise-based rehabilitation. However, evidence regarding its added value when combined with conventional therapeutic exercise in knee OA remains limited. Objective: To determine the efficacy of IASTM as an adjunct to therapeutic exercises on pain, range of motion, and functional performance in individuals with knee OA. Methodology: A parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted on 50 participants diagnosed with knee OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grade II-III), randomly allocated into two equal groups (n=25 each) using a computer-generated random sequence with allocation concealment. Group A received IASTM combined with a standardized therapeutic exercise protocol, while Group B received the therapeutic exercise protocol alone. Treatment was administered three times per week for 6 weeks. Outcome measures included the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Knee range of motion (goniometry), and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) for functional status, assessed at baseline and post-intervention (6 weeks). Data were analyzed using paired and independent sample t-tests, with significance set at p\<0.05.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
50
IATSM were administered for a duration of 6 weeks
Therapeutic Exercise were administered for a duration of 6 weeks
FMRL
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
The value were taken at base line and after 6 weeks of intervention
Time frame: 6 weeks
Knee range of motion (goniometry)
The value were taken at base line and after 6 weeks of intervention
Time frame: 6 weeks
Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)
The value were taken at base line and after 6 weeks of intervention
Time frame: 6 weeks
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