The Effects of Self-Myofascial Release Before Weight Training on Functional Movement and Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the effect of the self-myofascial release technique conducted before weight training on functional movement and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).METHODS: The study subjects were divided into three groups: a control group (CON, n=8), an active stretching group (DS, n=8), and a self-myofascial release group (SMR, n=8). All three groups performed the same leg press exercise program for 30 minutes, twice a week for eight weeks. Active stretching and self-myofascial release techniques were conducted before exercise for 30 minutes. Body composition, 1RM, and functional movement screen (FMS) were tested before the 1st-week exercise and after the 4th- and 8th-week exercise training. The DOMS levels were assessed immediately after exercise and at 24, 48, and 72 hours post-exercise using the visual analog scale (VAS).RESULTS: Body weight and body fat percentage showed a significant decrease (p<0.01), and muscle mass and 1RM increased with the exercise period (p<0.01). The FMS score differed between the groups (p<0.05), periods (p<0.01), and groups×periods (p<0.01). The FMS score was significantly higher in the SMR than in the CON group at the 4th- and 8th-week exercise. The exercise-induced VAS level peaked at 48 hours post-exercise in all groups and significantly decreased at 72 hours post-exercise in the SMR group.CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that self-myofascial release positively affects functional movements and effectively alleviates exercise-induced pain levels. Therefore, self-myofascial release techniques could be used as an effective warm-up strategy to improve physical function and relieve exercise-induced injury and muscle pain.