Effects of IASTM vs. Foam Rolling on Knee and Hip Range of Motion in Soccer Players

Group-A participants would receive Facial Abrasion Technique (FAT) with an Instrument, FAT-Tool. Treatment sessions will be carried out three times per week for eight weeks after an initial warm-up session. All the sessions will be performed at the same time of day (i.e., between 4-6 pm), to avoid possible confounding circadian effects. The FAT group will receive 2 min application on the quadriceps and hamstring muscles with a FAT-tool Pro Large model, which consists of a handle and 20cm treatment surface. The muscles will be treated in a pre-stretched position, meaning a knee flexion in a supine position for the quadriceps muscle and a hip flexion and knee extension in a side-lying position for the hamstring muscles.

Group-B participants would receive Foam Rolling (FR). Treatment sessions will be carried out three times per week for eight weeks after an initial warm-up session. All the sessions will be performed at the same time of day (i.e., between 4-6 pm) to avoid possible confounding circadian effects. The Foam Roller group will receive 2x1 min of FR on the quadriceps and the hamstrings on the dominant leg with the opposite leg crossed over the dominant one. During each minute the muscle will be rolled out 4-5 times, with a break of 30s in between sets. They will be instructed to utilize short, kneading like movements in one direction and a quick motion in the other direction. A grid foam roller will be utilized with a length of 33cm, diameter of 14 cm and with a hard hollow core, wrapped in ethylene vinyl acetate foam.