Effects of flossing technique on ankle mobility and vertical jump performance

Abstract

ContextFlossing may report benefits on range of motion. However, it's unknown whether flossing using pneumatic tourniquets may influence performance in bilateral countermovement jumping tests. ObjectiveTo analyze the acute effects induced by a flossing protocol with a pneumatic tourniquet placed at the intermalleolar level on jumping ability in basketball players.Study design: cross-sectional study. Methods54 basketball players (mean (SD) 17.16 (1.27) years; 22.23 (1.99) kg/m2) from a professional club were recruited. After a familiarization phase, a pressurized cuff (continuous pressure at 180 mmHg) was placed at the intermalleolar level for 2 min performing plantar and dorsal flexion movements without load. The Leg Motion test and the Countermovement jump were used to measure ankle dorsiflexion and vertical jump height. ResultsAfter the intervention, a significant ankle dorsiflexion improvement was observed in the left leg in males (12.48 (5.08) vs. 13.44 (5.23) cm, p < 0.05) and in both ankles in females (right: 9.59 (3.29) vs. 10.74 (3.34) cm, p < 0.05; left: 9.91 (2.77) vs. 10.96 (2.57) cm, p < 0.05). However, the intervention showed no significant difference in bilateral jumping ability in neither group (p > 0.05). ConclusionsThe application of intermalleolar flossing using pneumatic tourniquet in elite basketball players did not interfere in jumping ability, and it may improve ankle range of motion. These findings may help clinicians make decisions in practice.