INSTRUMENT ASSISTED SOFT TISSUE MOBILIZATION IN MANAGEMENT OF ATHLETIC AND MUSCULOSKELETAL CONDITIONS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Abstract

Purpose: Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a therapeutic intervention that involves the use of specialized tools to manipulate the muscles, tendons, myofascia and skin in a variety of soft tissue problems. Nonetheless, there is a divergence of opinions when it comes to the efficacy of IASTM in the treatment of athletic and musculoskeletal conditions. This systematic review was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of IASTM in management of athletic and musculoskeletal conditions. Methods: An investigation of the literature was carried out from inception to April 2023 using the databases PubMed, PEDro, and the Cochrane Library. Results: Eighteen studies were included for qualitative synthesis, and six were selected for further quantitative synthesis. The effectiveness of IASTM in the management of athletic and musculoskeletal conditions was found to be either better or equal in comparison to other control interventions. The meta-analysis results showed that the reduction in pain was statistically significant in the experimental group (IASTM) compared to the control group (MD -1.33, 95% CI [-1.59, -1.06], p < 0.0001). Conclusion: It can be stated that IASTM is an effective tool in the management of athletic and musculoskeletal conditions. Further studies should concentrate on investigating the efficiency of EASTM on particular participants with various specific athletic and musculoskeletal conditions.