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Effect of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Gastrocnemius Stiffness and Ankle Range of Motion
Sponsor: University of Primorska
Summary
This study will examine whether a technique called instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) can reduce stiffness in the calf muscle (gastrocnemius) and improve ankle mobility. Muscle stiffness will be measured using a specialized ultrasound method called shear-wave elastography, while ankle range of motion will be assessed using the weight-bearing lunge test. Healthy volunteers will participate in this study, and measurements will be taken before and after a single IASTM treatment. The aim is to determine if this manual therapy technique can produce immediate changes in muscle properties and joint flexibility.
Official title: Effect of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Gastrocnemius Muscle Stiffness and Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 35 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
38
Start Date
2025-04-24
Completion Date
2025-06-15
Last Updated
2025-04-25
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization
Participants will receive a single session of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) applied to the gastrocnemius muscle using a stainless-steel instrument. The treatment consists of longitudinal and transverse strokes targeting both the medial and lateral heads of the muscle. The procedure will be performed by a trained clinician, following a standardized protocol lasting approximately 5 minutes. The goal is to induce mechanical and neuromodulatory effects on muscle tissue. This intervention is designed to assess acute changes in muscle stiffness (via shear-wave elastography) and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (via the weight-bearing lunge test).
Locations (1)
University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences, Izola
Izola, Municipality of Izola, Slovenia