Effects of IASTM vs. Foam Rolling on Knee and Hip Range of Motion in Soccer Players

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The aim of this study is: To compare the acute and long-term affects of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) vs foam rolling on knee and hip flexibility and performance in soccer players.

Detailed Description
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The objective of this study is to compare the acute and long-term affects of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization vs foam rolling on knee and hip flexibility and performance in soccer players. This is a randomized controlled trial, in which participants will be randomly divided into two groups: group-A and group-B. Group-A will receive intervention IASTM while Group-B will receive foam rolling as intervention. Intervention will be carried out for 8 weeks. Assessment of the range of motions for hip and knee joints will be carried out at baseline, immediately after the session, after four weeks and after five (5) months. The secondary measures of performance used in the study are sit and reach test, 100m sprint speed test, Illinois agility run test.

Official Title
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Effects of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization vs. Foam Rolling on Knee and Hip Flexibility and Performance in Soccer Players

Conditions
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Muscle Tightness

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: IASTM (FAT)
* Other: Foam Rolling


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Individuals with normal BMI Players with at least one year of playing professional soccer and taking at least three training sessions/matches per week. Exclusion Criteria: Players with any pathological conditions affecting any of the system. Suffering from recent acute unhealed MSK injury/Trauma.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 35 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Male

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Interventional Model Description: Concurrent Parallel Randomized Clinical Trial
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: Group A<br>IASTM Group | Other: IASTM (FAT)<br>* Group-A participants would receive Facial Abrasion Technique (FAT) with an Instrument, FAT-Tool. Treatment sessions will be carried out three times per week for eight weeks after an initial warm-up session. All the sessions will be performed at the same time of day (i.e., between 4-6 pm), to avoid possible confounding circadian effects. The FAT group will receive 2 min application on the quadriceps and hamstring muscles with a FAT-tool Pro Large model, which consists of a handle and 20cm treatment surface. The muscles will be treated in a pre-stretched position, meaning a knee flexion in a supine position for the quadriceps muscle and a hip flexion and knee extension in a side-lying position for the hamstring muscles.<br>|
| Active Comparator: Group B<br>Foam Rolling Group | Other: Foam Rolling<br>* Group-B participants would receive Foam Rolling (FR). Treatment sessions will be carried out three times per week for eight weeks after an initial warm-up session. All the sessions will be performed at the same time of day (i.e., between 4-6 pm) to avoid possible confounding circadian effects. The Foam Roller group will receive 2x1 min of FR on the quadriceps and the hamstrings on the dominant leg with the opposite leg crossed over the dominant one. During each minute the muscle will be rolled out 4-5 times, with a break of 30s in between sets. They will be instructed to utilize short, kneading like movements in one direction and a quick motion in the other direction. A grid foam roller will be utilized with a length of 33cm, diameter of 14 cm and with a hard hollow core, wrapped in ethylene vinyl acetate foam.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Knee Range of Motion (ROM) | Knee ROM will be measured using universal goniometer. | Baseline, after 8 weeks, and after 5 months | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Knee Flexibility (Active Knee Extension Test) | Knee flexibility will be assessed using the Active Knee Extension (AKE) test. Assessment of this test will be carried out through a universal goniometer. | Baseline, after 8 weeks, and after 5 months | 
| Knee Flexibility (Sit and Reach Test) | Knee flexibility will also be assessed using the Sit and Reach Test. Assessment of this test will be carried out through an improvised ruler/measuring tape. | Baseline, after 8 weeks, and after 5 months | 
| Sprint Speed | Sprint speed will be assessed using the time required to complete 100m Sprint Test. | Baseline, after 8 weeks, and after 5 months | 
| Agility | Agility will be measured using the time required to complete the Illinois Agility Run Test (IART). | Baseline, after 8 weeks, and after 5 months | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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FAT, Foam Rolling, IASTM, Joint Flexibility, Soccer