Abstract
During long-distance running, athletes are exposed to repetitive loads. Myofascial structures are liable to long-term work, which may cause cumulating tension within them. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute effect of self-myofascial release on muscle flexibility in long-distance runners. The study comprised 62 long-distance, recreationally running participants between the age of 20 and 45 years. The runners were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 (n = 32), in which subjects applied the self-myofascial release technique between baseline and the second measurement of muscle flexibility, and Group 2 (n = 30), without any intervention. The self-myofascial release technique was performed according to standardized foam rolling. Assessment of muscle flexibility was conducted according to Chaitow’s proposal. After application of the self-myofascial release technique, higher values were noted for the measurements of the following muscles: piriformis, tensor fasciae latae muscles and adductor muscles. Within the iliopsoas and rectus femoris muscles, lower values were observed in the second measurement. These changes were statistically significant (p < 0.05) within the majority of muscles. All these outcomes indicate improvement related to larger muscle flexibility and also, an increase in range of motion. In the control group (Group 2), significant improvement was observed only in measurements for the iliopsoas muscles. The single application of self-myofascial release techniques with foam rollers may significantly improve muscle flexibility in long-distance runners. Based on these results, the authors recommend the self-myofascial release technique with foam rollers be incorporated in the daily training routine of long-distance runners, as well as athletes of other sport disciplines.
Highlights
Accepted: 28 December 2021Running is a natural form of movement and one of the most popular types of activity.as in the case of other sport disciplines, running involves being subjected to risk of injuries and overloads
The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute effect of self-myofascial release on muscle flexibility in long-distance runners
After application of the self-myofascial release technique using foam rollers, higher values were noted in the measurement of the following muscles: piriformis, tensor fasciae latae muscles and adductor muscles
Summary
Accepted: 28 December 2021Running is a natural form of movement and one of the most popular types of activity.as in the case of other sport disciplines, running involves being subjected to risk of injuries and overloads. Running is a natural form of movement and one of the most popular types of activity. With the increase in popularity of this form of physical activity, the frequency of injuries associated with its practice increases, especially within the lower limbs [1,2,3]. During long-distance running, athletes are exposed to repetitive loads. Myofascial structures are liable to longterm work, which may cause cumulating tension within them. This is especially true in the case of eccentric work of the hamstring during the terminal swing phase, which may lead to excessive tension and reduction of this flexibility within this muscle group. Maintaining proper muscle flexibility is crucial for long-distance runners [4]
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