Immediate and Acute Effect of Self Myofascial Release vs Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Flexibility, Strength and Sport-Specific Performance in Young Male Soccer Players

Background: Regular exercise and performance can result in microtrau-ma, which is minor damage to the muscle. The resulting inflammatory response may lead to fascia scar tissue over time, which in turn may lead to muscular dysfunction. Purpose: The purpose of our study was to compare the immediate and acute effects of SMR and IASTM on flexibility, strength and sport-specific performance in young male soccer players. Method: Twenty-seven young male soccer players were randomly assigned to receive either SMR via plain foam roller or IASTM via M2T blade. To compare the effect of interventions, subjects were assessed on measures of flexibility via sit and reach test, power through vertical jump test, agility by Illinois agility test, 20m sprint test and strength test by a dynamometer. Results: A one-way ANOVA was used to analyze differences. To test for the difference between interventions and across 3 assessments, a 3X3 split plot ANOVA with a group (control, SMR, IASTM), time (0 min, 10 mins, 20 mins) and interaction effect (Group X Time) was employed. There was a significant difference in strength during performance without intervention vs. immediately after SMR and IASTM (p=0.03). Conclusion: The findings of the study suggest that SMR and IASTM did not improve physical performance in young male soccer players, but they did not hinder performance either. Even if performance does not improve, there does not seem to be any adverse effect by using either SMR or IASTM before physical activity, athletes need not be discouraged from using these tools.