Acute effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization on the flexibility, strength, vertical jump, and dynamic balance performances of the plantar flexor muscle in professional football players

Objectives

This study examined the acute effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) on the flexibility, strength, vertical jump, and dynamic balance performance of the plantar flexor (PF) muscle in professional football players.

Methods

Forty professional healthy male football players participated in this study. Myofascial release was applied to individuals using the Graston technique (GT). In a session, GT was applied to the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles of the legs for 270 s. Finally, dorsiflexion range of motion (DF ROM, goniometer), jumping (My Jump 2 App), balance (Y balance test), and muscle strength (hand-held dynamometer) were evaluated before and immediately after the intervention.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 21.93 ± 3.47. IASTM-GT could significantly improve DF ROM bilaterally (p < 0.001). In addition, vertical jump performance significantly increased from 31.63 ± 4.65 cm to 32.72 ± 4.55 cm (p < 0.05). The Y balance test demonstrated significant improvements in all directions on the right side (p < 0.05) and the posterolateral direction on the left (p = 0.001). Total Y balance scores significantly increased (p < 0.05), while PF muscle strength represented no significant improvement (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Overall, IASTM-GT acutely enhances DF ROM, vertical jump, and balance performance by improving PF muscle flexibility in professional football players. While no significant muscle strength improvement was observed, IASTM-GT may support injury prevention, performance enhancement, and rehabilitation.