Investigation of the effect of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization technique and foam roller application on strength, flexibility, pain and secondary outcome measures in individuals with chronic non-specific neck pain

Aim: This study; the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization technique and foam roller application on strength, flexibility, pain and secondary outcome measures in individuals of different ages diagnosed with non-specific chronic neck pain. Material ve Method: A total of 60 patients (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (n=20), Foam Roller (n=20), Control (n=20)) diagnosed with chronic non-specific neck pain were included in the study. The instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization technique group or foam roller group received 3 sessions of classical physiotherapy per week for 4 weeks, followed by 2 sessions per week of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization or foam roller technique, and the control group received only classical physiotherapy for 5 sessions per week for 4 weeks. Individuals; strength, flexibility, pain and secondary outcome measures were evaluated before, immediately and 1 month after the end of treatment. Results: Compared to pre-treatment, there was an increase in muscle strength, flexibility and normal range of motion in all 3 groups; It was observed that there was a decrease in pain, functional status and quality of life values. In the intra-group evaluation, there was a significant difference in the pain and functional status values of all 3 groups (p<0.05); There was no significant difference in flexibility values (p>0.05). In the evaluation between the groups, there was no significant difference in the pain and flexibility values of all 3 groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization technique and foam roller application; It was found to reduce pain, significantly improve functional status and quality of life, and increase muscle strength, normal range of motion and flexibility.