Effect of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Dynamic Cupping

Riphah International University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Fractures, Bone

Treatments: Other: IASTM; Other: Dynamic cupping therapy

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06673745

REC/RCR&AHS/24/0720

Details and patient eligibility

About

Children who experience fractures may develop stiffness and limited range of motion in their affected joints, notably the elbow. Although conventional rehabilitation approaches have demonstrated some effectiveness, innovative methods like Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Dynamic Cupping hold promise for enhancing outcomes. These techniques represent emerging therapies aimed at improving range of motion and function across different musculoskeletal conditions. However, there is a lack of comparative research examining their efficacy specifically in pediatric patients with post-fracture elbow stiffness

Full description

This will be a randomized clinical trial conducted on 28 participants. Data will be collected from Khatoon e Jannat hospital, Mujahid hospital and children hospital of Faisalabad. The study includes children aged 6 to 15, both genders, experiencing elbow postoperative stiffness and with a loss of extension of at least -30 degrees and/or flexion of no more than 120 degrees. Participants excluded from the study are those who declined consent, had pathological fractures, and associated ipsilateral injuries, bilateral upper extremity injuries, neuro-vascular disorders, heterotrophic ossification, or contraindications for IASTM. A sample of 28 will be divided in to two groups. Each group will consist of 14 participants. Group A will receive instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization. On the contrary group B will receive dynamic cupping therapy. Both groups will be given conventional therapy along with prescribed intervention. Intervention will be given for 30 minutes for 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks. Data will be collected before and after the intervention to assess range of motion and function with a help of goniometer and Disability arm shoulder and hand questionnaire. Data will be analyzed by using SPSS version 26.0

Enrollment: 28 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 6 to 16 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria

• Age from 6 to 15 years (23)
• Both genders Participant with elbow postoperative stiffness with loss of extension of ≥-30 degrees and/or flexion ≤120 degrees Participant with at least 6-week post-surgery with open reduction and internal fixation done for either of the following fractures.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participants who declined consent.
• Participants who had pathological fractures, associated ipsilateral injuries, bilateral upper extremity injuries, neuro-vascular disorders, heterotrophic ossification, and contraindications for IASTM

Trial design

Primary purpose: Other

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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28 participants in 2 patient groups

Instrumental assisted soft tissue mobilization

Experimental group

Description:

Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and dynamic cupping are manual therapy techniques used to address soft tissue restrictions and improve joint mobility and function. In the context of children with post-fracture elbow stiffness, these techniques can have several physiological effects. (14) This process involves the use of specialized tools to apply pressure and friction to the affected soft tissues. Which can help break down scar tissue and adhesions that may have formed following the fracture, allowing for improved tissue flexibility and mobility. This can stimulate blood flow to the area, promoting tissue healing and reducing inflammation

Treatment:

Other: IASTM

Dynamic cupping therapy

Experimental group

Description:

Dynamic cupping, on the other hand, utilizes suction cups placed on the skin to create negative pressure. This can help stretch and release tight muscles and fascia, increasing tissue flexibility and reducing stiffness. The rhythmic movement of the cups which can also stimulate lymphatic drainage and promote circulation, this will increase the removal of metabolic waste products and will also reduce swelling. (16) Both the techniques can help address the underlying soft tissue restrictions and joint stiffness commonly seen following a fracture. By improving tissue flexibility reducing inflammation, and enhancing circulation IASTM and dynamic cupping can contribute to restoring normal elbow range of motion and function in children with post fracture elbow stiffness. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is one of the recently used popular myofascial intervention. It is known to improve the range of motion, function and improvestrigger point of the muscles. In recent studies it i

Treatment:

Other: Dynamic cupping therapy