Investigating the Effects of The Percussive Therapy Device and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Hamstring Tightness

Year 2023, Volume: 9 Issue: 2, 12 - 22, 18.07.2023

Demet Biçki , Buse Keskin

Abstract

Abstract: The goal of this study is to research the impact the Percussive Therapy Device and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) on hamstring tightness in individuals experiencing tangible hamstring muscle tightness.
Method: 40 healthy individuals aged between 18 - 60 with tangible hamstring muscle tightness (The Passive Straight Leg Raise ≤ 70) were included in the study. They were randomly put into two equal groups using the randomization method. IASTM Group: N=20 Percussive Therapy Group: N=20. Hamstring muscle flexibility was measured with active knee extension and sit-reach tests in both interventions in pre- and post-treatment. Participants were treated by a therapist twice a week for a total of three weeks.
Findings: When the active knee extension angle flexibility and sit-reach tests were examined, the difference between pre- and post-treatments was ascertained to be statistically significant (p<0.05) in both studies. When the difference between the two groups was compared, the change in the IASTM group (3.66±2.05) was ascertained to be higher than the Percussive Therapy group (3.36±2.33), but this difference was statistically insignificant (p>0,05).
Conclusion: The study showed that both interventions had similar positive effects in a short time. As per the results of the study, we think that clinicians can switch from the traditional stretching protocol to more diverse interventions, i.e., IASTM, Percussive Therapy Device

Keywords

Flexibility, massage gun, myofascial relaxation, soft tissue mobilization, vibration

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