Comparison between the Short Term and Durability Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Exercise and Instrument Assisted soft Tissue Mobilization Technique on Ankle-Dorsiflexion Range of Motion

Introduction: Reduced lower extremity range of motion and movement leads to a decrease in movement efficiency; accordingly, it is vital to maintain the range of motion to prevent damage and improve functions. The purpose of this study was to compare the short term and durability effects of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) techniques on ankle-dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) among young soccer players.   Materials & Methods: In total, 30 young soccer player from Isfahan Premier League (Asia Vision) participated in this semi-experimental study. The participants were selected based on their availability and randomly assigned into IASTM technique (N=15) and PNF stretching exercise (N=15) groups. The ankle-dorsiflexion ROM was measured using digital goniometer three times, including pre, post and after 1 week of follow up. Findings: The results of Mann-Whitney U test indicated a significant difference between pre-test (P=0.01, Z=-2.58) and durability period (P=0.036, Z=-2.09) regarding ankle-dorsiflexion ROM. Moreover, IASTM exercises led to the increase of both ROM and durability,compared to PNF. In addition, the results showed a significant difference within groups in terms of the time of measurements for the ankle-dorsiflexion ROM (P=0.001). Discussion & Conclusions: The IASTM technique showed a better effect, compared to PNF stretching exercises, regarding ankle- dorsiflexion ROM both in short and long terms among young soccer players.