Effects Of A Vibrating Foam Roller On The Work Of The Quadriceps And Hamstrings

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a vibrating foam roller, a foam roller, and vibration-only on the dominant hamstrings, with a secondary aim of examining the effects on the quadriceps and non-dominant limb. METHODS: Fifteen resistance trained women (mean age ± SD = 22.9 ± 2.0 years, height = 162.7 ± 4.8 cm, body mass = 66.0 ± 9.7 kgs, BMI = 24.9 ± 3.3 kg·m2) completed 4 testing sessions consisting of a foam rolling, a vibrating foam rolling, a vibration-only, and a control condition, to compare their effects on the work of the quadriceps and hamstrings. Conditions were only implemented on the participant’s dominant hamstrings, while testing was performed on both of the participant’s limbs to investigate possible contralateral effects. Participants completed concentric dynamometer testing at 60°s·-1, 180°s·-1, and 300°s·-1 for hamstrings and quadriceps, and eccentric dynamometer testing at 60°s·-1 and 180°s·-1 on the hamstrings. RESULTS: For concentric hamstrings, the treated dominant limb decreased pre- to-post testing (p = 0.004), while the non-dominant untreated limb decreased only during the vibrating foam rolling condition at the 180°s·-1 velocity (p = 0.036). The work of the concentric hamstrings of both limbs also decreased as velocity increased (p < 0.001) and decreased pre- to-post testing (p = 0.004). For the eccentric hamstrings, the dominant treated limb decreased pre- to post-testing (p = 0.001). The work of the eccentric hamstrings of both limbs decreased as velocity increased (p = 0.005) and decreased pre- to-post testing (p = 0.009). For concentric quadriceps, the work of the treated dominant limb was greater than the non-dominant untreated limb (p = 0.011), and the treated dominant limb decreased pre- to-post testing, while the non-dominant untreated limb increased (p = 0.009). The work of the concentric quadriceps of both limbs also decreased as velocity increased (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Since it is possible vibrating foam rolling, foam rolling, and vibration-only could decrease the work of the limb, is recommended to avoid using these interventions prior to a training session.