IMMEDIATE EFFECT OF INSTRUMENT ASSISTED SOFT TISSUE MOBILIZATION ON HAMSTRING MUSCLE EXTENSIBILITY – PRE AND POST TEST DESIGN

Background: Hamstring is a group of muscles at the posterior aspect of the thigh which is more prone to strain or tearing. Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is a new range of tool used for assessment and treat-ment of muscle tightness. Objective was to find out the effect of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) on increasing Hamstring muscle extensibility in terms of knee extension range of motion. Materials and Methods: 30 participants were selected using purposive sampling and assessed for hamstring tightness and pre-test ROM was measured using the AKE test. Then they were given hot pack for 5-10mins, after that IASTM was administered using edge tool, for 1min. The post-release subject was engaged in light active exercise and then post-test ROM was meas-ured and the difference was noted. Results: There was a significant difference in the AKE test pre and post value when compared with the paired t-test. (p-value < 0.0001). Conclusion: Edge tool used for Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization is useful to increase Hamstring Muscle Extensibility.