Paper Title
Effects of Therapeutic Deep Tissue Rolling on Range of Motion, Power and Velocity
Abstract
Foam rolling exercises as pressure to muscles is a means increase fascia elasticity and to alleviate trigger points. Injuries, muscle imbalance, inflammation contributes to hampered performance and may be alleviated by deep massage and pressure. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of deep-tissue foamrolling (FR), dynamic stretch (DS), or no treatment (NT) on muscle peakpower, peak velocity and range of motion. Healthy males (N=18) were pre-tested on for peak power and peak velocity using an electronic analyzer while executing a counter-movement vertical jump and hip range of movement using a digital goniometer. Following pre-testing, subjects were randomly assigned to either deep-tissue FR, DS, or NT groups and conducted one 18 min. session of treatment of foam rolling the left and right gluteals, hamstrings and quadriceps in 2-minute segments per area. A third group was inactive for the same period of time. Subjects underwent this protocol three times one week apart.Repeated measures ANOVA yielded statistically (p<0.05) greater hip flexion range of motion by both the FR and DS groups, but not by the control groups. No significant difference was found between FR and DS hip ROM. Furthermore, no pre- to post-test significant differences (p>0.05) was found among the groups for vertical jump peak poweror peak velocity. While no changes in velocity or power was found. Itwas concluded that in order to enhance flexibility either FR or DS are equally effective.
Keywords - foam rolling, flexibility, power, velocity