Graduation Term

2016

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

School of Kinesiology and Recreation

Committee Chair

Noelle M. Selkow

Abstract

Context: Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), specifically the Graston Technique® (GT), uses six stainless steel instruments to mobilize soft tissue by exploiting the principles of transverse friction massage. Muscle energy technique (MET) is an active technique where the patient contracts specific muscles, when instructed, in a specific direction against a distinctly executed counterforce from the clinician. MET is used to mobilize restricted joints, strengthen weak muscles, reduce pain, stretch tight muscles and fascia, increase range of motion (ROM) and improve circulation.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare MET in combination with GT to MET in isolation in the treatment of unilateral innominate rotation.

Design: Single-blinded, controlled lab study with randomization

Patients or Other Participants: 30 subjects with self-reported low back pain (LBP). Subjects were randomized into three groups (Control, MET-GT or MET-Only).

Main Outcome Measure(s): LBP was measured using the visual analog scale (VAS), and innominate rotation and hip ROM were measured using the PALpation Meter and digital inclinometer, respectively.

Results: One-way ANOVAs were used to compare changes in visual analog scale (VAS) scores, PALM, and hip flexion and extension ROM measurements over the course of the treatment. Changes in VAS scores between pre-treatment and immediately after treatment showed a significant decrease (p = 0.046) for the MET-Only group (11.1 ± 9.4 mm) compared to the control group (0.1 ± 7.5mm).

Conclusions: No other significant differences were found between treatment groups and changes in dependent variables, suggesting that one treatment of combined MET-GT does not significantly decrease LBP, effect innominate rotation or hip flexion and extension ROM immediately after treatment or one week following treatment.

Access Type

Thesis-Open Access

DOI

http://doi.org/10.30707/ETD2016.Dale.S

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