Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Versus Dynamic Oscillatory Stretch Technique in Females Wearing High Heels

Comparison of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Versus Dynamic Oscillatory Stretch Technique in Females Wearing High Heels

Rationale of this research is to compare the effect of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization and dynamic oscillatory stretch technique on gastro soleus muscles flexibility with shortened calf muscle-tendon unit (MTU),thicker and stiffer Achilles tendon in individual wearing high heel. This study will observe effect in all range of motion of ankle joint. In Pakistan no previous research is conducted, that compare the effect of IASTM and DOST in females wearing high heel.

Regular wearing of high heels would lead to shortening of the fascicles of the gastrocnemius muscle together with changes in the mechanical properties of the Achilles' Tendon, by the continuous ankle plantar flexion cause by the heel lift resulting in functional alteration. The purpose of the study is to identify the optimal technique for alleviating the symptoms in patients with high heel syndrome. It is a randomized controlled trial.Sample size is total 54 participants which would be divided into two groups, 27 each.Non-probability Convenience Sampling will be used and participants are randomly assigned into GROUP A(IASTM) and GROUP B (DOST) through sealed envelope methods after baseline assessment. All participants in both groups were evaluated on two occasions: (i) baseline (ii) at 12th session.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 20-40 years
• Duration of wearing heels: minimum 1 year
• Wearing heels for minimum 3 times a week and 5 hours a day.
• Heel height: 2" and above
• Ankle Dorsiflexion ROM: decreased dorsiflexion (about 17 degrees)
• Pain scale showing more than 3.

Exclusion Criteria:

• DVT
• Musculoskeletal injury or surgery of lower limb.
• Acute Cardio-Respiratory or Neurological condition.
• Medical or surgical co-morbidities