Which Technique is More Effective for People With Hamstring Tightness in Terms of Balance, Flexibility, and Performance?

Percussion massage therapy has gained popularity in the therapeutic and athletic communities over the past few years. Percussion massage therapy devices are extremely convenient to use, both for self-administration and by a physiotherapist. Percussion massage therapy in deep and superficial tissues; is used in many areas such as reducing pain, increasing blood circulation, improving scar tissue, reducing lactate level and muscle spasms, increasing lymphatic flow, inhibiting Golgi reflex, increasing range of motion, and is frequently used today. Vibratory massage techniques have been shown in many studies to improve joint range of motion and muscular strength. It has been argued that there aren't enough studies on this topic in the literature. Specially tailored treatments are utilized in the clinic to reduce injury frequency, improve muscular performance, and increase the flexibility of musculotendinous components. Various stretching methods are used to increase muscle length. Athletes use stretching exercises to improve joint range of motion and long-term performance. Furthermore, it is incorporated in the warm-up period of athletes' training plans to prepare for an activity or to cool down after an applied exercise. Many studies using the dynamic stretching approach have found that dynamic stretching exercises performed before an activity or a sport have a positive effect on performance and flexibility parameters. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a treatment method used to reduce pain, improve joint range of motion, and mobilize soft tissue using specially designed stainless steel instruments based on the principles developed by James Cyriax. The removal of scar tissue is one of the most important goals of IASTM. Microvascular bleeding occurs with localized inflammation as a result of IASTM application, nutrient and oxygen flow is delivered, fibroblast migration increases and the healing process begins again. At the same time, secondary collagen synthesis begins and is rearranged, which allows the regeneration of the injured tissue. As a result, it treats scar tissue, adhesions, and adhesions in the fascia. IASTM is a very effective approach in fascia tissue and is widely used to offer a mobilizing stimulus in the treatment of myofascial problems.

However, when the literature is reviewed, studies investigating the acute effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, percussion massage therapy, and dynamic stretching exercises on performance parameters and functionality are limited. Based on all this information, it was aimed to investigate the acute effects of percussion massage therapy, stretching exercises, and Graston soft tissue mobilization on jumping, running performance, balance, and functional reaching parameters.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Those who are at a level to be able to perform a performance test
2. With hamstring muscle tightness
3. Those who have not undergone orthopedic surgery from any region
4. Individuals who do not have a professional sports background

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Trauma history
2. Anatomical deformities and skeletal system fractures
3. Diagnosed orthopedic or rheumatological diseases
4. Being included in a physiotherapy program in the last six months
5. Individuals with pain in any part of the study