Acute effects of tissue flossing on boxers with chronic knee pain.

Objectives: To explore the acute intervention effects of tissue flossing on chronic knee pain (CKP) in boxers.

Methods: Eighteen boxers with CKP (12 male/6 female) were randomly divided into an experimental group (EG) with tissue flossing (n = 9) and a control group (CG) (n = 9). The visual analog scale (VAS), Lysholm knee function score, flexion range of motion (ROM), maximal isometric extensor muscle strength, and stability of the knee were measured pre- and post-intervention (EG: 3-minute tissue flossing, CG: rest).

Results: VAS ( = 15.849, = 0.001, = 0.498) and Lysholm knee function ( = 9.327, = 0.008, = 0.357) significantly improved more in the EG than in the CG. There was a significant difference for maximal isometric extensor muscle strength ( = 17.769, = 0.001, = 0.542) and knee stability ( = 13.844, = 0.002, = 0.464) but no significant difference for ROM ( = 1.218, = 0.287, = 0.075) between the EG and CG.

Conclusion: Tissue flossing can reduce knee pain, improve knee function, increase knee extensor strength, and improve knee stability in boxers with CKP.