Investigation of the acute effect of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization technique on physical fitness parameters in healthy individuals

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of IASTM on the acute effects of physical fitness parameters in healthy male individuals. 24 volunteers are included in this study who have been divided into two groups such that one part is an IASTM and the other part is a control group. The physical activity levels of the individuals participating in the study were determined using the short form of the International Physical Activity Assessment Questionnaire (IPAQ). Individuals; their aerobic capacity is the Increasing Speed Shuttle Walking Test (AHMYT), muscle strength values are digital dynamometer, muscle flexibility values are sit-reach and quadriceps flexibility test, fatigue values are Fatigue Severity Scale (YSS) and Modified Borg Scale, agility assessment is T-Test, and balance assessment is evaluated with a stabilometer device. This study shows that there has been a sharp increase between the first and the second stage values according to measurement results of flexibility ,aerobic capacity ,hamstring muscle force(p<0,05). Contrary to measurement results of flexibility, aerobic capacity, hamstring, and muscule force, a meaningful increase in measurement results of quadriceps force, tiredness, and agility from the first phase to second have not been observed (p>0,05). According to the results of measurement of balance, a meaningful increase in the first and second stage's amounts has been observed when the eyes are shut (p>0,05). According to the results of the study, IASTM has an effect on aerobic capacity, balance, and flexibility in the acute stage, whereas, it has no effect on quadriceps muscle power , tiredness and agility. Keywords: IASTM, flexibility, muscle strength, Aerobic Capacity, Fatigue, Agility, Balance