Original Research Article
Year: 2021 | Month: October | Volume: 11 | Issue: 10 | Pages: 186-195
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20211024
Comparison between the Immediate Effects of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Active Release Technique in Individuals Wearing High Heels
Jahnvi T. Shah1, Mayuri Ghumatkar2, Ajay Kumar3
1B.P.Th, DPO’s NETT College of Physiotherapy, Thane, Maharashtra, India.
2M.P.Th, Associate Professor, DPO’s NETT College of Physiotherapy, Thane
3M.P.Th, Principal, DPO’s NETT College of Physiotherapy, Thane.
Corresponding Author: Jahnvi T. Shah
ABSTRACT
Background: Wearing high heels regularly places muscle-tendon units (MTUs) in a shortened position. In this condition the length of the calf MTU (gastrocnemius-soleus) is reduced by the continuous ankle plantar flexion cause by the heel lift imposed by the high heels, which leads to concomitant inflexibility of these muscles. Tightness of these muscles inturns leads to formation of trigger points within the muscles. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is an approach to soft tissue manipulation that uses concave and convex stainless steel instruments to release scar tissue, break soft tissue adhesions, and remove fascial restrictions. Active Release Techniques, or ART, is a soft tissue treatment method that focuses on relieving tissue tension via the removal of fibrosis/adhesion that develops in tissue that is overloaded with repetitive use.
Objective: To compare the immediate effect of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Active Release Technique for gastrosoleus muscle in individuals wearing high heels using VAS and active dorsiflexion using universal goniometer.
Method: 30 subjects were selected as per inclusion and exclusion criteria and were randomly allocated into two groups of 15 each. Group A received Instrument Assisted soft tissue mobilization and Group B received Active Release Technique for Gastro-soleus muscle. Pre and Post intervention Dorsiflexion range of motion and VAS scores were analysed.
Result: The statistical analyses showed that there is signification increase in dorsiflexion range of motion and significant reduction in pain in both the groups. (p<0.0001). However, inter group analysis showed that Group A is much more effective in improving the range of motion and reducing pain scores.
Conclusion: The present study concluded that Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization is a better intervention for the release of trigger points as it shows greater increase in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and a significant pain reduction when compared to Active Release Technique.
Key words: Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization(IASTM), Active Release Technique(ART), Range of Motion, pain, High Heels, Calf Muscles.