A comparative study on the effectiveness of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilisation combined with heavy slow resistance training versus conventional rehabilitation in managing Achilles tendinopathy among recreational basketball players

Background: Achilles tendinopathy frequently affects recreational basketball players due to repetitive high-load activities such as jumping and rapid acceleration- deceleration. Selecting an effective rehabilitation approach is crucial to reduce symptoms and restore optimal tendon function. Recently, the combination of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) with Heavy Slow Resistance Training (HSRT) has emerged as a promising intervention, yet its effectiveness compared to conventional rehabilitation remains unclear. Methodology: A comparative experimental study was conducted on recreational basketball players diagnosed with Achilles tendinopathy. Participants were allocated into two groups. The group A received IASTM along with HSRT, while the group B underwent conventional rehabilitation comprising stretching and eccentric exercises. Interventions were administered over a structured treatment period. Severity of Achilles tendinopathy and range of motion were evaluated before and after the intervention.

Result: Statistical analysis was done by using paired ‘t’ test and unpaired ‘t’ test the analysis showed that the mean VISA-A score improved significantly in both groups with group A demonstrating greater improvement than group B. The mean difference in VISA-A score was 16.27 in Group A and 8.47 in Group B, with an unpaired ‘t’ value of 4.95 at the 0.005 level of

Significance: . Since the calculated ‘t’ value was greater than the table vale (2.763), the

Results: indicate a statistically significant improvement in patients who received Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (IASTM) Combined with Heavy Slow Resisted Training compared to those who received Conventional Rehabilitation

Conclusion: The study indicates that the combination of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Heavy Slow Resistance Training is more effective than conventional rehabilitation for managing Achilles tendinopathy in recreational basketball players. This combined approach may be considered a beneficial rehabilitation strategy to enhance recovery and functional outcomes.