• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.13-21
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• 2021

Purpose : Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) has been widely used to improve pain and range of motion. However, research on IASTM using vibration stimulation is lacking. Therefore, this study investigates how IASTM using vibration stimulation affects chronic pain on muscle activity and flexibility of the shoulders. Methods : A total of 20 patients with chronic shoulder pain were divided into the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group (n=10) used vibration stimulus for IASTM, while the control group (n=10) used general IASTM. For six weeks, this training lasted for 30 min a day, twice a week. Muscle activity was evaluated using the surface electromyograph. The back and reach test was used to assess flexibility, the visual analogue scale to measure pain, and the paired t-test to compare the groups before and after the experiment. An independent ANCOVA was conducted to assess differences in the degree of transition between the two groups before and after the experiment. Results : Significant differences in muscle activity, flexibility, and pain in both groups before and after the experiment (p<0.05) were observed, as well as in the muscle activity of the pectoralis major and associated pain (p<0.05). however, muscle activity and flexibility of the upper trapezius and infraspinatus were not significantly different between groups (p>0.05). Conclusion : This study confirms the importance of IASTM using vibration. Design and manufacture of IASTM using vibration based on our results would be useful in the management of shoulder pain, Further clinical evidence are needed.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.359-364
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• 2020

Purpose: This study was undertaken to compare the efficacy of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and a neural dynamic technique (NDYT). As an intervention to treat spastic lower limb muscle tone, stiffness, and static balance in stroke patients. Methods: Totally, 26 participants were assigned randomly to two groups: the IASTM (n=13) and NDYT (n=13) groups. Both groups were subjected to their respective technique for 15 minutes, 5 times a week, for 6 weeks. Muscle tone, stiffness, and static balance were evaluated before and after training, to compare both group changes. Results: IASTM group showed significant decrease in the gastrocnemius medial region and semitendinosus muscle tone and stiffness (p<0.05) compare to NDYT group; however, no significant different was observed in static balance between groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: The results suggest that IASTM is an effective method for decreasing the muscle tone and stiffness in acute stroke patients.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.21-30
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• 2021

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of muscle energy technique (MET) and instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) on knee extension ROM, knee extensor/flexor strength and muscle thickness immediately and after 24 hours. Methods: A total of 30 subjects participated in this study. The participants were assigned to either MET (n=15) or IASTM (n=15). 90-90 straight leg raise, knee extensor/flexor muscle strength, muscle thickness test were measured before, immediately after and 24 hours after the intervention. Results: Both groups significantly improved knee extension ROM on immediate (MET 10.7°, IASTM 10.21° increased) and after 24 hours assessment (MET 5.61°, IASTM 5.47° increased)(p<.05). In the MET group, knee extension and flexion muscle strength increased immediately after intervention (p<.05). In the IASTM group, knee extension muscle strength increased and knee flexor muscle strength decreased immediately after intervention (p<.05). Furthermore, both groups showed a pattern of returning to the initial strength after 24 hours. In both groups, no significant difference in muscle thickness immediately and after 24 hours was observed (p>.05). Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, MET and IASTM technique showed lasting effectiveness in flexibility of shortened hamstring immediately after and in 24 hours after the intervention. In both groups, MET increased muscle strength and increased ROM, while IASTM decreased muscle strength and increased ROM, with no change in muscle thickness.

• Journal of Convergence for Information Technology
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• v.12 no.5
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• pp.177-182
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• 2022

This study aim to verify the difference in muscle activity due to difference in the direction of the stroking method for the stroke direction of the muscles using a tool made by a 3D printer. The subjects were conducted with 20 healthy adults in their 20s, and IASTM applied the intervention of the perpendicular stroking on the direction of muscle driving and intervention of the pararell stroking on the direction of muscle driving, with 10 each deployed. All subjects measured the muscle activity before intervention, and the muscle activity was measured and compared with the independent T test and the paired T test. The results of this study showed a significant increase in muscle activity in vertical groups, although the muscle activity in horizontal groups decreased. It was that differences in direction are significant in the application of IASTM.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.85-93
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• 2024

Background: This study examined the Immediate effects of IASTM using microcurrent and the flossing band on the lower extremity fascia thickness in subjects with Intrinsic patellofemoral pain syndrome. Methods: Sixty-six subjects with patellofemoral pain syndrome were randomized into three groups (22 each in the microcurrent IASTM (instrument assisted soft-tissue mobilization) group, and flossing band group, and combined microcurrent IASTM and flossing band group) to evaluate the immediate effects of the lower extremity fascia thickness before and after intervention. The thickness of the lower extremity fascia was measured using an ultrasound machine. Using SPSS Window. 22.0, a Shapiro Wilk was conducted to test the normality of all variables; within-group comparisons were made with a paired-samples t-test, and between-group interventions were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance. Results: Changes in the thickness of the fascia in the thigh area were observed before and after intervention in all three groups. There was a significant decrease, and in the combined group, there was a significant decrease in fascia thickness compared to when the IASTM group and the flossing band group were applied separately (p<.05). Conclusion: Through this study, the effect on fascia thickness was confirmed when IASTM and flossing band intervention were combined, and it is believed that it can be used as basic clinical data for patients with knee-thigh pain syndrome.

• Journal of Convergence for Information Technology
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• v.10 no.11
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• pp.218-223
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• 2020

This study was conducted to observe the difference in muscle activity by IASTM between a tool made of PLA made with a 3D printer and a tool made of ready-made stainless steel. This study was attended by 10 adults in their twenties, and all subjects participated in both the PLA group and the Stainless group, received IASTM. %MVIC was measured by measuring muscle activity after intervention, and this was verified through comparison between groups through the Mann-Whitney U test. The results of this study showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups in the %MVIC value of the biceps brachii after intervention. Therefore, in the application of IASTM, there was no difference in muscle activity depending on the material of the tool, which seems to be that the IASTM tool made of PLA made with a 3D printer produced similar results in the ability to control neuromuscular muscles and the ready-made product made of stainless steel. Therefore, in a future study, the effectiveness of the tool will be verified for the various patient group.

• Journal of Convergence for Information Technology
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• v.10 no.9
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• pp.200-205
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• 2020

This study investigates the effects of instrument-assisted soft mobilization (IASTM) and manual myofascial release (MFR) on the muscle activity of the biceps brachii. This study was conducted on 10 men and women in their 20s, and all subjects participated in the experiment for 3 days and measured muscle activity of the upper forearm muscles. On the first day, the muscle activity value was measured before the intervention, and the remaining two days were measured for muscle activity after the intervention of each manual therapy in a random order. All muscle activity values were compared and analyzed through the dependent t test and the independent t test. The before and after comparison of muscle activity values before and after each intervention was verified by performing the dependent t test and comparing the values of muscle activity between groups between each intervention after intervention by performing an independent t test. According to the results of this study, both interventions significantly increased muscle activity of the biceps brachii before and after intervention, and there was no significant difference in muscle activity values between groups after intervention. Therefore, both manual therapy (IASTM, MFR) are thought to be effective in improving neuromuscular control ability.

• Journal of Convergence for Information Technology
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• v.11 no.12
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• pp.176-181
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• 2021

This study was conducted to confirm the effect of vibration on muscle activity in IASTM. The subjects were 20 healthy adults. The intervention applied in this study was IASTM applied to the biceps brachii muscle. In the case of the experimental group, unlike the control group, the vibration function was turned on when IASTM was applied. The interventions for each group were applied, and the muscle activity of the biceps brachii muscle was measured before and after the intervention. All measured values were calculated as %MVIC values, dependent t test and independent t test were performed and analyzed for comparisons. As a result of this study, only in the control group, the muscle activity of the biceps brachii muscle after the intervention was significantly decreased compared to before the intervention. When vibration is applied together with IASTM, the relaxation effect is reduced, which is considered to be inappropriate for treatment.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.27-32
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• 2017

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of IASTM and static stretching techniques on ankle joint range of motion (ROM), static foot pressure. Methods: Twenty four subjects with gastrocnemius shortness participated in this study. The subjects were assigned randomly to one of two groups: The soft tissue mobilization technique (IASTM) group received intervention using a IASTM instrument for two minutes, and the stactic stretching group performed self stretching for 30 seconds, four times. The ROM of the ankle joint was measured by active ankle dorsi-flexion test, and a TPScan was utilized to collect the plantar foot pressure. This experiment was performed by two physical therapists. The significant level was set at ${\alpha}=.05$. Results: The results were as follows: 1) The ROM of the ankle joint and was significantly increased in both groups. 2) Plantar foot pressure was no significant in both groups. 3) There were no significant differences between the IASTM group and static stretching group for any variable. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that static stretching is an effective and easy technique for restoring proper muscle length in subjects with gastrocnemius shortness. We recommend that static stretching technique be used for treat gastrocnemius shortness in clinical setting and home program.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.57-65
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• 2016

Objectives Our goal was to review literatures on tool-based manipulation for musculoskeletal diseases with emphasis on guasha and IASTM (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation) by searching foreign and domestic controlled trials. Methods We found literatures published up to August 2016 in electronic databases (OASIS, KoreaMed, KMbase, NDSL, RISS, KISS, MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) without any limitations on language. Results 17 studies were included in the review. 13 out of 17 articles were published within this decade. VAS was the main evaluation tool for most of the articles (14 out of 17). 10 studies showed statistically significant difference between the experimental group and the control group. In terms of materials used for treatment, 6 out of 17 studies used stainless steel. Considering anatomical locations for treatment, trunk area was treated the most, accounting for 7 out of 17 studies. Conclusions Our results show that recently, research on tool-based manipulation treatments for musculoskeletal diseases are actively being performed. Diseases of the vertebral column were the main target for tool-based manipulation treatments, and stainless steel was the most popular and safe material used. Further research should be performed for more accurate data.