GRASTON TECHNIQUE PROTOCOL VS. INSTRUMENT ASSISTED SOFT TISSUE MOBILIZATION FOR DORSIFLEXION CHANGES

Publication Date

4-5-2019

Document Type

Poster

Degree Type

Graduate

Department

Kinesiology & Recreation

Mentor

Justin Stanek

Mentor Department

Kinesiology & Recreation

Abstract

Context: Limited dorsiflexion (DF) range of motion (ROM) is commonly observed in both the athletic and general population and has been shown to be a predisposing factor for lower extremity injury. A DF deficit can result from tightness of the muscles responsible for plantarflexion of the ankle, specifically the gastrocnemius and soleus. Closed-chain DF measurements of less than 34 alter natural gait patterns and may cause compensation in gait leading to possible injury. Graston Technique (GT) is a form of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) that has been shown to increase ROM directly after application and is believed to increase local blood flow. GT is unique in that it includes warm-up, IASTM, stretching, and strengthening. Evidence of the long-term effects of GT on ROM and blood flow is lacking, particularly a comparison of the full GT protocol vs. IASTM alone. Therefore, the two objectives are to: 1) Compare ROM changes between the full GT and IASTM alone and 2) Determine long-term local blood flow changes after IASTM application. Study Design and Setting: Cohort; randomized control trial Patients or Other Participants: Forty-five participants are being recruited based on one or both limbs having <34 of closed-chain DF. If both limbs qualify, they are then assigned to the same intervention group. In all, 15 participants are allocated into each of the control and two experimental groups. Interventions: Participants are randomly allocated to one of three groups; GT, IASTM, and control. Participants in the two intervention groups have their closed-chain DF ROM (both standing and kneeling) assessed at baseline, post 2 treatments, post 4 treatments, and 24-48 hours post 6 treatments. Participants in the control group are measured at baseline and three weeks later. Blood flow measurements are taken at baseline and after the 3-week intervention time. The Intervention groups receive 6 treatments in a 3-week time period while the control group receive no treatment. The GT group receive a warm-up, IASTM, stretching, and strengthening of the gastrocnemius and soleus. The IASTM group receive a warm-up and IASTM treatment. Main Outcome Measures: Closed chain DF is assessed with a digital inclinometer in standing and kneeling. Blood flow measurements are taken using a near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), a small device that uses infrared light to measure the amount of blood in the area.

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