Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization as an Adjunct to Therapeutic Exercises in Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of chronic pain and functional limitation, particularly in older adults, and is associated with soft tissue restrictions, quadriceps weakness, and reduced joint mobility. Therapeutic exercise remains a cornerstone of conservative management, but persistent myofascial restrictions may limit its full benefit. Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) has been proposed as an adjunct technique to address fascial adhesions, improve tissue extensibility, and enhance the outcomes of exercise-based rehabilitation. However, evidence regarding its added value when combined with conventional therapeutic exercise in knee OA remains limited.

Objective: To determine the efficacy of IASTM as an adjunct to therapeutic exercises on pain, range of motion, and functional performance in individuals with knee OA.

Methodology: A parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted on 50 participants diagnosed with knee OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grade II-III), randomly allocated into two equal groups (n=25 each) using a computer-generated random sequence with allocation concealment. Group A received IASTM combined with a standardized therapeutic exercise protocol, while Group B received the therapeutic exercise protocol alone. Treatment was administered three times per week for 6 weeks. Outcome measures included the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Knee range of motion (goniometry), and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) for functional status, assessed at baseline and post-intervention (6 weeks). Data were analyzed using paired and independent sample t-tests, with significance set at p<0.05.

Inclusion criteria

Osteoarthritis, both gender, Age between 40-60 years. -

Exclusion criteria

Not meeting the inclusion criteria, underwent recent surgery of lower limb.

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