Descriptive Analysis of Forces Applied by Trained Clinicians During 2-Handed Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization

Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a common intervention among clinicians. Despite its popularity, little is known about the forces applied by the clinician using the instruments during treatment. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the forces applied by trained clinicians using IASTM instruments during a simulated treatment. Eleven IASTM-trained (Graston Technique, Tecnica Gavilan, or Rock-Blades) clinicians (physical therapists = 2, chiropractors = 2, athletic trainers = 7) participated in the study. Each clinician performed 75 two-handed strokes distributed evenly across 5 IASTM instruments on a skin simulant attached to a force plate. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization stroke application was analyzed for peak normal forces and mean normal forces by stroke. We observed an average peak normal force of 8.9 N and mean normal force of 6.0 N across all clinicians and instruments. Clinicians and researchers may use the descriptive values as reference for the application of IASTM in practice and research.

Automated summary

This study aims to examine the forces applied by trained clinicians using IASTM instruments during treatment. The average peak normal force was found to be 8.9 N, while the mean normal force was 6.0 N across all clinicians and instruments. These descriptive values can serve as a reference for clinicians and researchers in practice and research.