COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF INSTRUMENT ASSISTED SOFT TISSUE MOBILIZATION AND THERAPEUTIC CUPPING ON HAMSTRING TIGHTNESS AMONG FOOTBALL PLAYERS

Background: Injuries and decreased performance are two consequences of hamstring tightness, which is common among football players. There is a lack of data on the relative efficacy of treatments like Therapeutic Cupping and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), despite the fact that both techniques show potential.   Objective: To examine and compare the effectiveness of IASTM versus Therapeutic Cupping in alleviating hamstring tightness in professional football players. Finding out how different treatment frequencies, durations, and procedures affected hamstring flexibility and pain reduction was one of the specific goals.   Methods: Thirty male football players with tight hamstrings on both sides were the subjects of our randomized control trial investigation conducted at Pakistan Sports Board, Lahore. The IASTM and Cupping groups were chosen at random from the participants. A thorough investigation of their impact on hamstring results was made possible by methodically varying treatment frequencies, durations, and procedures. The primary outcome measures of the study were numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), universal goniometer (UG) and sit and reach test. Both interventions were applied for six weeks and data was collected at baseline and post-6 weeks. Results: Both treatments reduced pain (IASTM p-0.02, cupping p-0.00), improved hamstring flexibility (IASTM p-0.00, cupping p-0.002) and joint range of motion in football players (IASTM p-0.008, cupping p-0.000). When both interventions were compared, it was found that pain reduction was same in both groups (p-0.32) but cupping therapy improved joint range of motion (p-0.000) and hamstring muscle flexibility was improved through IASTM (p-0.000). Conclusion: Despite the useful insights obtained, the research does recognize certain limits, as stated in the conclusion. Despite meticulous planning, the sample size can limit the results' applicability. Furthermore, results cannot be generalized to other groups due to the absence of certain comorbidities. Additional study with bigger and more varied samples to improve generalizability is suggested. Individual athlete reactions should guide clinicians in determining the optimal length of interventions, with an emphasis on individualized treatment. Athletes can benefit from a more holistic approach to hamstring tightness management when sports therapists include IASTM and cupping into their procedures.