# Immediate Effects of Instrument-Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization Versus Dry Needling on Trigger Point Pain and Tightness of Calf Muscles in Long-Distance Runners

## TL;DR

This study compares two muscle treatments for reducing pain and tightness in long-distance runners, finding both effective but with different strengths.

## Contribution

The study provides a direct comparison of IASTM and DN for immediate effects on trigger point pain and calf tightness in runners.

## Key findings

- Both IASTM and DN significantly improved pain pressure threshold in runners.
- DN showed better results in pain reduction compared to IASTM.
- IASTM significantly enhanced ankle dorsiflexion range of motion immediately after treatment.

## Abstract

Introduction

Muscle tightness is frequently identified as a potential precursor to muscle injuries. Reclaiming flexibility and enhancing range of motion (ROM) is crucial for preventing injuries and achieving improvements in performance. The present study examines the immediate effects of instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization (IASTM) and dry needling (DN) in reducing trigger point pain and calf tightness in long-distance runners.

Methodology

A total of 40 long-distance runners were recruited in the study (30 males and 10 females). The procedure was performed under the author's surveillance at the sports complex. These recruited players were placed into two groups: the IASTM (n=20) and the DN (n=20) group. The outcome measures used were the pressure algometer for assessing pain pressure threshold and the lunge test. An iPhone Measure app (Measure app, Apple App Store 2023) is used to assess ankle dorsiflexion ROM. The evaluation took place both prior to and immediately following the intervention and 48 hours after the intervention.

Result

The analysis within each group revealed a significant alteration in pain pressure threshold for both the IASTM and DN groups (p≤0.05), along with a relative enhancement in ankle dorsiflexion ROM observed in the IASTM group (p≤0.05). Between-group analysis revealed a notable difference with an effect size difference of Cohen's d=1.06 (large difference) in pain pressure threshold, d=0.21 (small difference) in lunge test, and d=0.57 (medium difference) in ankle dorsiflexion ROM.

Conclusion

The present study concludes that both groups, IASTM and DN, showed significant effects in improving pain pressure threshold in long-distance runners. However, DN showed better results. IASTM showed significant results in enhancing the ankle dorsiflexion ROM immediately. This implies that it can be used in conjunction with stretching to decrease pain and enhance flexibility, hence improving performance and preventing injuries.