Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization for musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of its effects on pain, function, and range of motion.

Eur J Med Res · 2026 · PMC12903216 · PMID 41555388

Europe PMC DOI

hedged sentences

0.0300

closest p · 0.6× alpha

0.2000

boldest claim

The sentences

marginally significantP = 0.03actually significant

Functional indicators The meta-analysis of functional outcomes (16 studies, n = 713) showed a marginally significant improvement favoring the IASTM group, with a moderate effect size [SMD = − 0.48, 95% CI (− 0.93, − 0.04), P = 0.03) (Fig. 4 ).

also in 26,082 other papers

did not reach statistical significanceP = 0.20not close (p > 0.1)

Notably, tests for subgroup differences did not reach statistical significance (Chi 2 = 3.25, P = 0.20; I 2 = 38.5%), supporting the consistent analgesic efficacy of IASTM across diverse musculoskeletal pathologies.

also in 111,027 other papers

Quoted from the open-access full text in Europe PMC under the licence the publisher applied. The sentence is reproduced exactly as published; the emphasis is ours.