Effect of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Gastrocnemius Stiffness and Ankle Range of Motion
Effect of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Gastrocnemius Muscle Stiffness and Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion
University of Primorska
38 participants
Apr 24, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This study will examine whether a technique called instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) can reduce stiffness in the calf muscle (gastrocnemius) and improve ankle mobility. Muscle stiffness will be measured using a specialized ultrasound method called shear-wave elastography, while ankle range of motion will be assessed using the weight-bearing lunge test. Healthy volunteers will participate in this study, and measurements will be taken before and after a single IASTM treatment. The aim is to determine if this manual therapy technique can produce immediate changes in muscle properties and joint flexibility.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria5
- Age between 18 and 45 years
- Healthy individuals without current lower limb injury
- No history of surgery to the ankle, knee, or calf
- Able to perform the weight-bearing lunge test without assistance
- Willing to refrain from intense lower-limb exercise 24 hours before testing
Exclusion Criteria6
- Current or recent (past 3 months) lower limb musculoskeletal pain or injury
- Known neuromuscular or vascular disorders affecting the lower extremity
- Use of medications affecting muscle tone or flexibility within 48 hours prior to testing
- Previous adverse reactions to manual therapy or IASTM
- Skin lesions, bruising, or conditions over the gastrocnemius that contraindicate IASTM
- Pregnancy
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Interventions
Participants will receive a single session of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) applied to the gastrocnemius muscle using a stainless-steel instrument. The treatment consists of longitudinal and transverse strokes targeting both the medial and lateral heads of the muscle. The procedure will be performed by a trained clinician, following a standardized protocol lasting approximately 5 minutes. The goal is to induce mechanical and neuromodulatory effects on muscle tissue. This intervention is designed to assess acute changes in muscle stiffness (via shear-wave elastography) and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (via the weight-bearing lunge test).
Locations(1)
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NCT06934694