Effect of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization in Patients with Cervical Disc Herniation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Effect of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization in Patients with Cervical Disc Herniation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Purpose: The effects of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) on cervical disc herniation (CDH) have not been extensively studied. The study aimed to investigate the effect of the IASTM technique on pain, functionality and psychology in CDH. Methods: A two-armed randomized controlled trial was carried out with 24 patients with CDH. Participants were randomized into two groups: conventional physiotherapy (n=12) and IASTM plus conventional physiotherapy (n=12). A conventional rehabilitation consists of a hot pack, electrotherapy, and exercises five days a week for four weeks. IASTM technique has been used for two sessions per week for four weeks. Patients were assessed with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability Scale (CNFDS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: Both groups had improvements in VAS scores (p<0.05). IASTM group yielded more reduction in resting and activity pains (presting=0.001, pactivity=0.001). Disability scores of both groups improved (p<0.05). However, no difference was encountered between the groups regarding function and disability (p>0.05). Both the intervention and control groups showed a decrease in anxiety and depression symptoms (p<0.05). The anxiety and depression score of the intervention group yielded better results than the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: IASTM improved patients' rest and activity pain, anxiety and depression symptoms. On the other hand, IASTM provided advancement on function and disability scores simply as effective as conventional physiotherapy.

Keywords

• Anxiety
• cervical pain
• disability
• instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization

References

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