Acute Effects of Self-Myofascial Release Using Various Foam Rollers on Knee Extension Angles and Hamstring Muscle Tone in Subjects with Shortened Hamstrings : A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the effects of hamstring self-myofascial release using three different foam rollers on the passive and active angles of knee extension and hamstring muscle tone in subjects with shortened hamstrings. Twenty subjects with shortened hamstrings were included. The passive and active knee extension angles and hamstring muscle tone were measured immediately after each self-myofascial release of the hamstring muscles using a soft-, hard-, or grid-type foam roller. A goniometer was used to measure the passive and active knee extension angles, while a Myoton PRO was used to measure the hamstring muscle tone. The passive and active knee extension angles significantly increased and the hamstring muscle tone significantly decreased after all interventions (p<.05). However, none of the dependent variables differed significantly among the three groups (p>.05). All soft-, hard-, and grid-type foam rollers effectively improved hamstring flexibility and muscle tone in subjects with shortened hamstrings. Our findings suggest that individuals should choose the foam roller that is comfortable for them.