A Comparative Study on Gender Differences in the Effects of Self-myofascial Release Using a Foam Roller on Soft Tissue Stiffness and Joint Range of Motion

Abstract

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis of gender differences in the acute effects of self-myofascial release (SMFR) using a foam roller on soft tissue stiffness and range of motion (ROM).METHODS Twenty-four participants, comprising 12 men and 12 women, were recruited from the M Exercise Center in Seoul. Soft tissue stiffness and ROM were measured before and after SMFR treatment to assess its acute effects.RESULTS Following SMFR application, no significant differences were observed in soft tissue stiffness or joint ROM among female participants. However, significant differences were observed in the male group regarding the range of motion (ROM) of plantar flexion in the prone position (<i>p</i>=.023) and dorsiflexion in the supine position (<i>p</i>=.001), as well as plantar flexion (<i>p</i>=.023). Covariance analysis comparing gender differences revealed significant variations between groups in the achilles tendon (<i>p</i>=.033) and medial side of the gastrocnemius muscle (<i>p</i>=.032). Apart from these findings, no significant differences were observed between genders in soft tissue stiffness and joint ROM.CONCLUSIONS Thus, two sets of 30-second SMFR sessions can be deemed sufficiently effective for increasing ankle joint ROM in males. However, further research is warranted to extend these findings to females. Given the inconclusive results regarding soft tissue stiffness across genders, future studies should explore this phenomenon with larger sample sizes.