Investigation of the Effect of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Technique on Fascia and Fat Tissue Thickness in Healthy Individuals.

Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) technique can be used for non-pathological conditions as it has been shown in previous literature to affect flexibility and normal range of motion. The use of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization technique has been claimed to be an effective treatment in increasing tissue temperature, reducing adhesion to connective tissue and increasing collagen adaptation and increasing flexibility and normal range of motion. The instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization technique works on the facial connective tissue in the body. This connective tissue contains "sheaths of collagen, which form the cavities and muscle divisions that mainly cover the organs." In some studies, they stated that instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization increased perfusion, while in some studies they stated that instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization increased blood circulation. The frequency of ultrasonography (USG) examinations for the musculoskeletal system has increased over time with technological developments and USG has entered daily use in the evaluation of various pathological conditions belonging to this system thanks to its comparable results with MR examinations. The unique advantages of USG such as low cost, easy availability, relatively short examination time, and dynamic real-time comparison with the contralateral side have made it easier to use for musculoskeletal examinations. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization technique on strength, flexibility, balance, fascia and adipose tissue thickness in healthy individuals.