Abstract

Clinicians have reported the effects of various instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) in patients of Rama Medical College Hospital. The purpose of this study was to investigated the effects of the IASTM technique and general exercise on pain and range of motion (ROM) in patients with LBP. [Subjects and Methods] 30 individuals with LBP participated in the study (IASTM technique: 15; Control: 15). Before and after the 4-week intervention program, pain was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS). Lumbar ROM was measured using a smartphone. The main effects and interaction were analyzed by two-way repeated ANOVA. [Results] A significant time-by-group interaction was observed for the VAS and ROM. A post hoc paired t-test showed that pain decreased significantly post intervention within the IASTM group. The lumbar ROM significantly increased post-intervention in both groups. [Conclusion] The IASTM technique and general exercise resulted in pain relief and increased ROM. However, the IASTM group showed significantly increased VAS and ROM more than control group. These findings suggest that the IASTM technique can be useful as a pain decrease and ROM increase for patients with LBP.

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