Acute effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization on the flexibility, strength, vertical jump, and dynamic balance performances of the plantar flexor muscle in professional football players

Objectives: This study examined the acute effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) on the flexibility, strength, vertical jump, and dynamic balance performance of the plantar flexor (PF) muscle in professional football players. Methods: Forty professional healthy male football players participated in this study. Myofascial release was applied to individuals using the Graston technique (GT). In a session, GT was applied to the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles of the legs for 270 s. Finally, dorsiflexion range of motion (DF ROM, goniometer), jumping (My Jump 2 App), balance (Y balance test), and muscle strength (hand-held dynamometer) were evaluated before and immediately after the intervention. Results: The mean age of the participants was 21.93 +/- 3.47. IASTM-GT could significantly improve DF ROM bilaterally (p < 0.001). In addition, vertical jump performance significantly increased from 31.63 +/- 4.65 cm to 32.72 +/- 4.55 cm (p < 0.05). The Y balance test demonstrated significant improvements in all directions on the right side (p < 0.05) and the posterolateral direction on the left (p = 0.001). Total Y balance scores significantly increased (p < 0.05), while PF muscle strength represented no significant improvement (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Overall, IASTM-GT acutely enhances DF ROM, vertical jump, and balance performance by improving PF muscle flexibility in professional football players. While no significant muscle strength improvement was observed, IASTM-GT may support injury prevention, performance enhancement, and rehabilitation.