The effect of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization technique on proprioception and balance in individuals with non-specific neck pain-pilot study

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the acute effect of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) technique applied to cervical region muscles on balance and proprioception in individuals with non-specific neck pain (NSNP). Materials and Methods: A total of 20 individuals with NSNP, 11 women and 9 men, between the ages of 20-40 years old (mean age 27.80±13.67), who had pain for at least 3 months were included in the study. The pain intensity levels during the resting, activity and night, disability levels, cervical range of motion (ROM), proprioception and static, dynamic balance measurements were evaluated before and after the application with a visual analog scale (VAS) of 10 centimeters, neck disability index (NDI), CROM (Cervical Range Of Motion) device and Biodex balance device, respectively. After the warm-up exercise program, IASTM technique was applied to right and left side cervical muscles for 8 minutes with Graston Technique® (GT®) instruments. Results: After the application, a statistically significant increase was observed in the ROM measurements of cervical flexion, extension, right and left lateral flexion, right and left rotation and, in the static and dynamic overall, anteroposterior and mediolateral balance performances (p<0.05 for all). While a significant increase was observed on the right side (p=0.005), no statistically significant difference was found on the left side (p=0.162) in the proprioception measurements. Conclusion: It has been found that myofascial release applied with IASTM technique to the individuals with NSNP causes an increase in cervical ROM and balance. In the proprioception evaluation, a statistically significant improvement was observed only on the dominant side. © 2021 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.