Investigating the Effects of The Percussive Therapy Device and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Hamstring Tightness

Abstract

Abstract: The goal of this study is to research the impact the Percussive Therapy Device and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) on hamstring tightness in individuals experiencing tangible hamstring muscle tightness. Method: 40 healthy individuals aged between 18 - 60 with tangible hamstring muscle tightness (The Passive Straight Leg Raise ≤ 70) were included in the study. They were randomly put into two equal groups using the randomization method. IASTM Group: N=20 Percussive Therapy Group: N=20. Hamstring muscle flexibility was measured with active knee extension and sit-reach tests in both interventions in pre- and post-treatment. Participants were treated by a therapist twice a week for a total of three weeks. Findings: When the active knee extension angle flexibility and sit-reach tests were examined, the difference between pre- and post-treatments was ascertained to be statistically significant (p<0.05) in both studies. When the difference between the two groups was compared, the change in the IASTM group (3.66±2.05) was ascertained to be higher than the Percussive Therapy group (3.36±2.33), but this difference was statistically insignificant (p>0,05). Conclusion: The study showed that both interventions had similar positive effects in a short time. As per the results of the study, we think that clinicians can switch from the traditional stretching protocol to more diverse interventions, i.e., IASTM, Percussive Therapy Device