ABSTRACT
The definitive efficacy and long-term effects of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) have not been firmly established, due to a lack of research examining lasting fascia structural changes and patient outcomes. We wanted to evaluate as to whether the use of topical muscle relaxant along with M2T® blade would have any effect on the Tissue Extension Disability in recreational runners. Methods100 subjects were randomly allocated to group A and group B. Group A was asked to perform active stretching whereas group B was given IASTM with topical muscle relaxant. Post-intervention data was recorded. ResultsThe active knee extension test scores for both the groups were determined. A statistically significant improvement (p<0.0001*) was seen in both the groups but the mean of post intervention scores of group B (21.64) showed more improvement and were more uniform than group A. ConclusionsThe present study concluded that IASTM using M2T blade® when given in combination with a topical skeletal muscle relaxant like Volteran® showed significantly better results in cases of tissue extensibility dysfunction of hamstring muscles in recreational runners.