Impact of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization on quadriceps flexibility and muscle strength in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Thirty healthy persons with unilateral knee osteoarthritis were randomly allocated to two groups: one receiving sham operations and the other utilising tools for soft tissue mobilisation. Knee pain is believed to stem from both physiological and psychological factors. A potential biological factor that could intensify knee pain is the weakness of the quadriceps muscles, as indicated by existing research. Recent studies suggest that more robust quadriceps can impede the structural decline of the knee. The intervention involved the integration of exercise therapy with IASTM, conducted over a two-week period. The timed assessments utilised to evaluate functional performance included the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and the up-and-go test (TUG). Substantial enhancements in functional performance were observed in both groups post-treatment, as indicated by the 6MWT (P < 0.001) and TUG (P = 0.003) assessments, based on a mixed ANOVA. A notable effect (P = 0.002, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001) was observed on physical functioning, role limitations due to physical challenges, energy/vitality, discomfort, and the overall SF-36 score, which showed considerable enhancement. Following treatment, the IASTM cohort exhibited enhancements in role limitations due to emotional challenges, while the sham cohort saw an exacerbation of these restrictions (P = 0.005). Both cohorts exhibited notable enhancements (P < 0.001) on the LAI questionnaire post-therapy. When integrated with exercise therapy, both placebo treatments and IASTM enhanced functional outcomes and quality of life. The IASTM cohort exhibited a significantly more pronounced upward trend in both the 6MWT and TUG assessments, demonstrating a clear interaction effect on the limits of emotion-driven roles. The findings indicate that while exercise alone can enhance quality of life and daily functioning, its efficacy is significantly increased when integrated with KOA therapy regimens; IASTM may further elevate these results, improving both function and quality of life.