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January 2021

Effect of Neuro Dynamic Technique and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Lower Extremity Muscle Tone, Stiffness, Static Balance in Stroke Patients

Authors: Myeong-Jun Kim 1, Tae-Ho Kim 2

Affiliations:

  1. Department of Physical Therapy, Daegu Goodmorning hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
  2. Department of Physical Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Science, Daegu University, Daegu, Republic of Korea

Journal: The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy - December 2020, Volume 32, No.6, Pages 359-364 (DOI: 10.18857/jkpt.2020.32.6.359)

Purpose: This study was undertaken to compare the efficacy of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and a neural dynamic technique (NDYT). As an intervention to treat spastic lower limb muscle tone, stiffness, and static balance in stroke patients.

Methods: Totally, 26 participants were assigned randomly to two groups: the IASTM (n=13) and NDYT (n=13) groups. Both groups were subjected to their respective technique for 15 minutes, 5 times a week, for 6 weeks. Muscle tone, stiffness, and static balance were evaluated before and after training, to compare both group changes.

Results: IASTM group showed significant decrease in the gastrocnemius medial region and semitendinosus muscle tone and stiffness (p<0.05) compare to NDYT group; however, no significant difference was observed in static balance between groups (p>0.05).

Conclusion: The results suggest that IASTM is an effective method for decreasing the muscle tone and stiffness in acute stroke patients.

 

Keywords: Balance, IASTM, Muscle tone, Neural dynamic technique, Stiffness

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