SDCA Journal of Physical Therapy

Abstract

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is an emerging technique developed by James Cyriax to further improve practices among clinicians under the rehabilitation setting in management of various myofascial and tendinous pathologies. Numerous studies have been conducted to identify its effects on the different regions of the body; however, the effects of this intervention in improving hamstring muscle flexibility remains understudied. This study aims to determine the result of using IASTM in improving hamstring muscle flexibility by analyzing, collating and synthesizing existing studies and provide an overview of the research studies. A systematic literature search was conducted using eight databases: Google Scholar, CORE, ResearchGate, PEDro, PubMEd, British Medical Journal, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane. Specific keywords incorporated with Boolean operators are used in the following database for relevant results. Twelve studies were included after reviewing all 283 studies in the initial research. Screening of qualified studies were also done based on the given inclusion and exclusion criteria provided by the researchers. Studies that were included were collated and comprised of information vital in this study, such as researchers targeted subjects with hamstring tightness, outcome measure procedures, type of tool used, and protocols followed in each experimental group. Traditional managements used as a comparison were outlined. The findings of each studies were emphasized as well. The researchers identified that almost all qualified studies included described the positive effects of IASTM application in the hamstring muscle group, based on the results and conclusion that they derived. Each study concluded that IASTM really does have an effect in treating hamstring muscle tightness, improving one’s knee range of motion and decreasing pain perceived by the patient, which then contributes to overall improvement in quality of life. All studies commended IASTM as an alternative management in treating hamstring muscle tightness and an adjunct to soft tissue mobilization.

Keywords: Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization; Hamstring muscle; Flexibility; Range of motion; Quality of life.