Acute Effects of Instrument-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on the Flexibility, Strength, Vertical Jump, and Dynamic Balance Performances of the Plantar Flexor Muscle in Professional Football Players.

The plantar flexors (PF) and the ankle joint are of great importance as they play an essential role in generating force on the ground. The ankle PF is the primary structure where energy is stored and released during movement and is the primary source of forward propulsion. This constitutes an important source of power for soccer players. Ankle flexibility is linked to dynamic balance capacity, which influences important elements such as speed, kick accuracy, ball control and agility. Muscle tension, myofascia and reduced range of motion (ROM) are frequently observed in team sports such as soccer, which increases the frequency of muscle injuries. Studies have shown that movement efficiency is reduced when movement is restricted in both the lower and upper limbs. Therefore, preservation and restoration of ROM is important to minimize injuries and improve performance, and myofascial release is often used in this context. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization-Graston Technique (IASTM-GT) entails repetitive mechanical stimulation, including compression and shear stress applied to soft tissues such as muscles, deep fascia and tendons. It facilitates the healing process by creating microtrauma, disrupting collagen connections, increasing blood circulation and promoting cellular regeneration.Numerous studies have extensively investigated the flexibility effect of Graston Technique (GT) on athletes, particularly by improving ROM and accelerating the recovery process in key muscle groups such as the thighs, quadriceps and plantar flexors (PF). However, the evidence is not clear on how GT specifically affects the function of the PF muscle and its implications on the performance and health of football players. The effectiveness of facial mobilization in football players may be important for improving athlete performance and injury prevention. The results of this study may guide healthcare professionals by providing information about the effectiveness of these non-invasive techniques in athlete performance, treatment and rehabilitation process in clinical practice. In this context, the aim of this study was to investigate the acute effect of fascial release applied to the PF muscles on ROM, jumping ability and muscle strength.