Quantification of the Rockfloss® Floss Band Stretch Force at Different Elongation Lengths.

Abstract

Floss bands are a popular intervention used by sports medicine professionals to enhance myofascial function and mobility. The bands are often wrapped around a region of the body in an overlapping fashion (eg,50%) and then tensioned by stretching the band to a desired length (eg,50%). To date, no research has investigated the stretch force of the bands at different elongation lengths. The purpose of this clinical study was to quantify the Rockfloss® band stretch force at 6 different elongation lengths (ie,25%-150%) for the 5.08- and 10.16-cm width bands. Controlled laboratory study. University kinesiology laboratory. One trained researcher conducted all measurements. The stretch force of a floss band was measured at 6 different elongation lengths with a force gauge. Band tension force at different band elongation lengths. The stretch force values for the 5.08-cm width (2 in) were as follows: 25% = 13.53 (0.25)N, 50% = 24.57 (0.28)N, 75% = 36.18 (0.39)N, 100% = 45.89 (0.62)N, 125% = 54.68 (0.26)N, and 150% = 62.54 (0.40)N. The stretch force values for the 10.16-cm width (4 in) were as follows: 25% = 16.70 (0.35)N, 50% = 31.90 (0.52)N, 75% = 47.45 (0.44)N, 100% = 57.75 (0.24)N, 125% = 69.02 (0.28)N, and 150% = 81.10 (0.67)N. Both bandwidths demonstrated a linear increase in stretch force as the bands became longer. These values may help professionals to understand and document the tension force being applied at different lengths to produce a more beneficial application during treatment. Future research should determine how the different length/tensions effect the local myofascia, arterial, and vascular systems.