The Effectiveness of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Myofascial Release (MFR) in Reducing Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) in the Cervicothoracic Region

Abstract

Background: Delayed-onset muscle soreness of the cervicothoracic region may cause pain, stiffness, functional limitation, and reduced cervical range of motion after unfamiliar or strenuous upper-body activity. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization and myofascial release are commonly used manual therapy techniques, but their comparative short-term effects in cervicothoracic DOMS remain insufficiently defined. Objective: To compare the effects of IASTM and MFR on pain intensity, neck-related disability, and cervical range of motion in adults with cervicothoracic DOMS. Methods: This assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial included 58 participants aged 25–35 years with clinically confirmed cervicothoracic DOMS of 24–72 hours’ duration. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of Green International University under approval number NCT07609498. Participants were randomized equally to IASTM (n = 29) or MFR (n = 29). Each group received three treatment sessions. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale, disability using the Neck Disability Index, and cervical ROM using goniometry. Outcomes were measured at baseline and after each session. Data were analyzed using between-group comparisons and 2 × 4 mixed-design repeated-measures ANOVA. Results: Baseline characteristics and outcome scores were comparable between groups. Both interventions produced significant improvements over time; however, IASTM showed greater final improvement than MFR in VAS (1.45 ± 0.31 vs 2.72 ± 0.35), NDI (6.10 ± 1.02 vs 9.78 ± 1.41), flexion (53.65 ± 1.71° vs 49.02 ± 2.20°), extension (59.43 ± 2.44° vs 54.42 ± 2.18°), and bilateral lateral flexion and rotation. Time × group interactions were significant for all outcomes. Conclusion: Both IASTM and MFR improved cervicothoracic DOMS over three sessions, but IASTM produced greater short-term reductions in pain and disability and larger improvements in cervical ROM.