EFFECTIVENESS OF HEATED IASTM ON SUPERFICIAL BACK LINE OF FASCIA FOR LOW BACK PAIN IN PROFESSIONAL MALE ROWERS

Abstract

Low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal condition affecting up to 53% of elite rowers, accompanied by myofascial restrictions along the superficial back line (SBL) of fascia. The SBL forms a continuous posterior myofascial chain from the plantar fascia to the occiput, and restrictions along this chain may alter lumbopelvic rhythm and contribute to LBP. Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) combined with therapeutic heat may enhance fascial extensibility and reduce pain, but no previous study has examined heated IASTM applied specifically to the SBL in professional rowers.  This quasi-experimental study compared the effects of heated IASTM on pain, posterior chain flexibility and rowing performance in 30 professional male rowers (26.21 ± 4.41 years) with mechanical LBP. Participants received 6 sessions of heated IASTM over 2 weeks (3 sessions/week). Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Sit-and-Reach Test (SRT), and 500 m ergometer time were used to measure outcomes. Improvements occurred in all outcomes and were statistically significant (p < 0.05). NPRS decreased from 4.09 ± 1.37 to 0.75 ± 1.04 (t = 10.635, p = 0.001). SRT improved from 10.20 ± 11.78 cm to 17.48 ± 8.22 cm (t = 2.776, p = 0.007). 500 m ergometer time improved from 125.71 ± 16.55 seconds to 115.75 ± 14.52 seconds (t = 2.187, p = 0.033). MCID achievement: 100% (NPRS), 95% (SRT), 85% (ergometer). Large effect sizes (Cohen's d = 3.18 for pain, 0.71 for flexibility, 0.62 for performance) exist for heated IASTM applied along the SBL in professional male rowers.  Heated IASTM is a safe, effective, and time-efficient intervention that can be integrated into sports physiotherapy practice for rowing athletes. Future randomized controlled trials with longer follow-up and fascial investigations like elastography and bioimpedance are warranted.