Acute effect of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization method on pain and joint position sense in individuals with chronic neck pain

The aim of this study was to determine the acute effect of single session Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) application on pain and joint position sense (JPS) in individuals with chronic neck pain. Thirty-nine individuals between the ages of 18-65 who had chronic neck pain for at least 12 weeks were included in this study. The individuals included in our study were divided into three groups as EYYDM application (n=13), sham application (n=13) and control group (n=13), (7 women, 6 men) with the block randomization method. The pain intensity of the participants was evaluated with a visual analog scale (VAS), and joint position sense was evaluated before and after the applications using the Cervical Range of Motion (CROM - Performance Attainment Associates, Lindstrom, Minnesota, US) device. After the initial measurement, a single session of IASTM or sham IASTM was applied to the groups other than the control group. No intervention was made in the control group. VAS score were statistically significant (p=0.001) after applications. The significant improvements found in joint position sense (JPS) in all aspects of the cervical region in the IASTM group (p<0.05). In the sham group, significant improvements observed in cervical extension, left rotation, and left lateral flexion movements in JPE (p<0.05). We assume that including IASTM in the physiotherapy programs of individuals with chronic neck pain will have positive effects on pain and JPS.