Efficacy of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization in comparison to gastrocnemius-soleus stretching for dorsiflexion range of motion: A randomized controlled trial

Effect of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Ankle of Range of Motion and Balance in Older Women: A Preliminary Study

“…In this study, IASTM did not have any effects on ankle ROM in older women, however, there were significant improvements in static and dynamic balance. Of these results, the change in ankle ROM after IASTM is contrary to previous studies [14,15]. Prior studies have suggested that repetitive mechanical stimulation of the skin by IASTM reduces joint and muscle stiffness and changes stretch tolerance, and thus, can improve ankle ROM [14,15].…”

“…Differences in study subjects and methods are thought to be the reasons for these contradicting results. For both studies by Ikeda et al [14] and Rowlett et al [15], healthy adults, not the older, were selected as the study subjects. Ikeda et al…”

“…[14] and Rowlett et al [15] both measured ankle ROM after a single session (2 or 5 min) of IASTM. Also, both studies Values are Mean±SD.…”

Hindfoot endoscopic release of the posterior ankle capsuloligamentous structures improves ankle dorsiflexion range, function and pain in patients with painful limitation of ankle dorsiflexion

“…In a recent randomised controlled trial, static weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion stretch with the knee in extension to stretch the gastrocnemius and the same stretch with knee bent to soleus for 3×30 s of each has been shown to increase weight-bearing lunge test acutely by a mean of 1.6 degrees, from a prestretch lunge of 41.2 to a poststretch lunge of 42.8 degrees. This was a significant increase in comparison with the control group, which did no stretching (p<0.011) 11. However, it was noted that this increase did not reach the established minimal detectable change, which is reported to be at least 3.7 degrees 11…”

“…This was a significant increase in comparison with the control group, which did no stretching (p<0.011) 11. However, it was noted that this increase did not reach the established minimal detectable change, which is reported to be at least 3.7 degrees 11…”