Foam Rolling Research Articles

Effectiveness of Different Neuromuscular Recovery Strategies in Elite Youth Female Football Players

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of various active recovery strategies in youth female soccer players during competitive tournaments with limited recovery periods (i.e., 24–48 h). Twenty-two elite under-17 female football players participated in this randomized controlled trial, which encompassed fourteen 90 min official matches. Participants were randomly allocated to one of three recovery protocols: passive stretching, foam rolling, or lumbopelvic mobility exercises, which were implemented ten minutes after each match. Countermovement jump with free arm (CMJA) height was measured pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention, and 5 h post-intervention. Wellness perception was evaluated 24 h later. Significant enhancements in CMJA height were observed immediately after all recovery protocols and at 5 h post-intervention compared with pre-intervention (p < 0.001). The lumbopelvic mobility protocol yielded the most substantial improvement, significantly surpassing both stretching and foam rolling. Moreover, significant increases in wellness perception were observed following the foam rolling (p < 0.001, ES = 0.95) and mobility (p < 0.05, ES = 0.88) protocols, with the mobility protocol demonstrating a marginally larger effect size than stretching. Active recovery strategies significantly enhanced neuromuscular function and wellness perception in under-17 female soccer players. Lumbopelvic mobility exercises exhibited superior efficacy, suggesting that they should be prioritized in post-match recovery regimens.

Acute Effects of Foam Rolling and Stretching on Physical Performance and Self-Perceived Fatigue in Young Football Players.

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the acute effects of foam rolling and traditional stretch treatments on physical performance and self-perceived fatigue in youth football players. Methods: The sample of participants consisted of 20 youth football players from the Serbia Under-17 league. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups, the Foam group (age: 16.6 ± 1.5 years) or the Stretch group (age: 16.9 ± 1.0 years), with each group consisting of 10 participants. The first measurement (I) was conducted before the match; then, the football players played the match, which was followed by the second measurement (II), and afterward, the groups performed their foam and stretch activities. The third measurement (III) was conducted 2 h after the recovery interventions, and the fourth measurement (IV) was conducted 24 h after the match. Players were tested for the following: linear sprints at 5 m, 10 m, and 20 m, squat jumps (SJs), countermovement jumps (CMJs), and arm-driven countermovement jumps (ACMJs). Participants also completed self-assessment questionnaires on fatigue (Hooper scales) and perceived exertion (Borg scales). Results: A 2 × 4 split-plot ANOVA revealed that there were no differences between the foam rolling and stretching treatments in any parameter of physical performance or self-perceived fatigue. However, a separate within-group analysis showed that the Foam group achieved significantly better sprint times in the third and fourth measurements (2 and 24 h post-match, respectively) compared to measurements taken immediately after the football match. Regarding self-perceived parameters, foam rolling reduced fatigue and stress at 2 and 24 h post-match. On the other hand, the stretching treatment only affected the stress parameter, which was reduced 24 h after the football match. Conclusions: These findings indicate that although there were no significant differences between treatments, foam rolling demonstrated certain advantages compared to stretching. Specifically, foam rolling may offer benefits in enhancing subjective recovery and reducing perceived exertion in young football players. However, these conclusions should be interpreted with caution, as the study was cross-sectional and involved a small sample of young football players.

Vibration Foam Rolling Treatment Influence on Acute Changes in Plantar Flexors Muscle Temperature and Surface Emg Activity in Amateur Male Athletes

Vibration Foam Rolling Treatment Influence on Acute Changes in Plantar Flexors Muscle Temperature and Surface Emg Activity in Amateur Male Athletes

Treatment Order and Retention of Self-Myofascial Release and Static Stretching on Passive Hip Flexion Range of Motion

Context: Many healthcare professions incorporate foam rolling (FR) and static stretching (SS) to improve tissue extensibility. Currently, it is unknown if the order an individual performs FR and SS influences flexibility or whether flexibility is retained. This study aimed to determine if FR before, or, following SS influences passive hip flexion range of motion (ROM), and if changes are retained. Design: Between-group experimental design. Methods: Thirty-five participants with less than 90° of passive hip flexion ROM volunteered. Over 8 days, 6 days separated by 24 hours, and then 1 week (day 7) and 2 weeks (day 8) following the last treatment, ROM was measured before and following 1 of 5 treatments; FR/SS, SS/FR, SS, FR, or nothing (control). Participants laid supine on a table where a bubble inclinometer was placed on the tibia of the dominant leg with the hip passively flexed to establish pretreatment ROM. Participants then received the treatments. Passive hip flexion ROM was assessed from pretreatment on day 1 to posttreatment on day 6, day 7 (1 wk), and day 8 (2 wk). Results: Passive hip flexion ROM increased for those receiving FR/SS, SS/FR, FR, and SS. ROM with FR and SS/FR was retained at day 7 but not day 8. Hip flexion ROM for FR/SS and SS were not retained at day 7 nor 8. SS/FR resulted in greater ROM than FR on day 6. SS/FR, FR/SS, SS, and FR were greater than the control at day 6. SS/FR was also greater than the control on days 7 and 8. Conclusion: This study revealed that FR the hamstring muscles after SS produces the greatest gains in passive hip flexion and would be appropriate in noninjured patients with less than 90°.

Erratum for Recovery Effects of Foam Rolling on Psychophysiological Responses in Thai National Male Ice Hockey Players

An erratum is being issued to an article published in 2023 in the International Journal of Exercise Science. The article is entitled “Recovery Effects of Foam Rolling on Psychophysiological Responses in Thai National Male Ice Hockey Players,”: 16(7): 1191-1204, 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.70252/DJVQ6733 The initial publication listed the dates of the study as between May 2020 and August 2021. The dates of the study were between May 2021 and August 2021.

Effects of foam roller-based combined exercise on functional fitness, balance, and gait in older women.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a foam roller-based combined exercise program on functional fitness, balance ability, and gait in women aged 65 years and older. Using a 2×2 mixed design, the study compared variables measured before and after a 6-week foam roller-based combined exercise program. A total of 32 old women were randomly assigned to either the foam roller-based exercise group or the control group. The intervention was conducted 3 times a week for 6 weeks, with each session lasting 60 min. The senior fitness test, gait test, Fullerton advanced balance test, and Y-balance test were performed at baseline and postintervention. Participants in the combined exercise group demonstrated significant improvements in upper and lower-body strength, lower extremity flexibility, agility, walking speed, stability, and balance ability. These findings confirm that a foam roller-based combined exercise program incorporating stretching, strength training, and aerobic components is effective in enhancing functional fitness, balance, and gait in older women. The inclusion of props such as foam rollers may help facilitate proper exercise form and activate diverse muscle groups, thereby augmenting the overall efficacy of exercise interventions.

Muscular Performance and Blood Pressure After Different Pre-Strength Training Strategies in Recreationally Strength-Trained Women: Cross-Over Trial.

This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of different pre-ST strategies on muscular performance and blood pressure (BP) responses in recreationally strength-trained women. Twelve overweight women with normal BP were recruited and performed six experimental protocols in a randomized order: (1) control protocol (CC), where BP was assessed without exercises performed; (2) ST; (3) foam rolling warm-up followed by ST (FR + ST); (4) specific warm-up followed by ST (SW + ST); (5) aerobic exercise followed by ST (AE + ST); and (6) stretching exercises followed by ST (SE + ST). ST consisted of three sets at 80% of 10 repetition maximum with a self-suggested rest interval between sets for bench press, back squat, bench press 45°, front squat, lat pull-down, leg press, shoulder press, and leg extension. All experimental protocol had a lower total training volume, fatigue index, and repetitions performance in relation to ST (p < 0.05). No significant reduction was observed in systolic and diastolic BP for any protocol or exercise, although the effect size magnitudes ranged from trivial to large. Decreases in maximum repetitions, resistance to fatigue, and total training volume were performed before ST as warm-up strategies. However, these strategies indicated a clinical reduction in BP with a large and meaningful magnitude (effect size) in recreationally strength-trained women with normal to elevated BP. The results of this investigation may help to influence decision-making by practitioners who desire to elicit a post-exercise hypotension response in both subjects with normal BP and hypertension.

EFFECT OF STATIC STRETCHING AND MYOFASCIAL RELEASE THERAPY ON MUSCLE SPASTICITY AND RANGE OF MOTION IN CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY: RANDOMISED CLINICAL TRIAL

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) encompasses a group of permanent movement and posture disorders caused by early brain damage. It is commonly associated with muscle spasticity, impaired range of motion (ROM), and reduced mobility. While various pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments exist, the evidence regarding the effectiveness of myofascial release (MFR) alone or in combination with static stretching (SS) in reducing muscle spasticity and improving ROM in children with CP remains limited. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of static stretching and myofascial release therapy on reducing muscle spasticity and improving the range of motion in children with cerebral palsy. Methods: This randomized clinical trial included 30 children with CP, divided equally into three groups: the static stretching group (SS), the myofascial release group (MFR), and the combined therapy group. The SS group underwent 20 repetitions of 30-second stretches, while the MFR group received 7 minutes of foam rolling therapy, both performed 5 days per week for 24 weeks. The combined therapy group received 12 repetitions of 30-second stretches and 5 minutes of MFR at a cadence of three to four rolls per minute, 5 days per week for 24 weeks. Outcomes included ankle dorsiflexion ROM, assessed with a goniometer, and spasticity, evaluated with the Modified Ashworth Scale, measured at baseline and after 24 weeks. Results: The combined therapy group achieved significant improvements in ankle dorsiflexion ROM (83%) and a 61% reduction in spasticity compared to the SS group (ROM: 61%; spasticity: 35%) and the MFR group (ROM: 75%; spasticity: 37%) (p&lt;0.05). The MFR group demonstrated superior outcomes over static stretching in isolation. Conclusion: The combination of static stretching and myofascial release therapy is an effective treatment approach for reducing muscle spasticity and improving the range of motion in children with cerebral palsy.

Fatigue and recovery-related changes in postural and core stability in sedentary employees: a study protocol.

Prolonged sitting leads to a slumped posture, which indirectly influences spinal curvature and increases low back and hamstring stiffness. Active rather than passive recovery is an effective way to reduce the risks associated with such prolonged inactivity. However, it remains to be investigated which of the exercises frequently used for this purpose, the trunk stability and foam rolling exercise, is more beneficial. This protocol study will compare the effects of foam rolling exercises on the recovery of impaired core and postural stability induced by core muscle fatigue and hamstring muscle stiffness with those of trunk stabilization exercises in sedentary adults. Twenty sedentary adults ranging in age from 25 to 44years old, comprising 50% men and 50% women, will participate in a modified Abt's trunk muscle fatigue protocol, then proceed with (1) active recovery in the form of trunk stabilization exercises, (2) active recovery in the form of foam rolling exercises, and (3) passive recovery, entails lying on a bed, respectively. Pre-fatigue, post-fatigue, and after all three recovery modalities, core and postural stability, and back and hamstring muscle flexibility will be evaluated using an inertial sensor system, and a posturography system. Muscle-fatigue conditions will be determined using electromyogram signals. Although the effects of foam rolling and trunk stabilization exercises can be attributed to different physiological mechanisms, the former releasing myofascial to improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension, the latter strengthening core muscles to stabilize posture, we hypothesize that both are equivalently effective in reducing the consequences of prolonged sitting.

Adding vibration and non-vibration foam rolling to routine soccer training alters muscle strength, flexibility, and dynamic balance in young male semi-professional soccer players: a randomized, controlled comparative study

ABSTRACT This study aimed to examine the effects of 6-week vibration (VFR) and non-vibration foam rolling (FR) on muscle strength, hamstrings-to-quadriceps (H:Q) ratio, flexibility, and dynamic balance in soccer players. Thirty-six players were included in the study. The players were randomly assigned to either VFR (n=12), FR (n=12), or control group (CG) (n=12). The players in VFR and FR groups performed VFR or FR thrice per week for 6 weeks. The CG did not receive any intervention. Pre- and post-test assessment included muscle strength, H:Q ratio, flexibility, and dynamic balance. Dominant extremity knee flexor and non-dominant extremity knee flexor and extensor muscle strength improved in VFR and FR groups (p<0.05). Flexibility and dynamic balance improved in VFR group (p<0.05). Both 6-week VFR and FR increased muscle strength without affecting H:Q ratio. VFR was more effective than FR for improving flexibility and dynamic balance. The results can be stunning for performance enhancement.

Article RETRACTED due to manipulation by the authors A systematic review and meta-analysis of the impact of muscle fatigue on the biomechanics of joint range of motion (ROM) in badminton

This study aims to evaluate the impact of muscle fatigue on the biomechanics of joint range of motion (ROM) in badminton athletes through a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Muscle fatigue can affect athletic performance, particularly in dynamic movements such as lunges and smashes. Using the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method and PRISMA, this study identified and analyzed 9 scientific articles from the Scopus and WoS databases published between 2019 and 2024. Meta-analysis was conducted by calculating the Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) and the 95% confidence interval (95% CI). The results showed that ROM in the hip joint significantly decreased after fatigue, with an SMD of -0.56 (95% CI: -0.76 to -0.36), which increases the risk of adductor and abductor injuries. On the other hand, ankle ROM showed no significant changes between pre-fatigue and post-fatigue conditions (SMD = 0.06, 95% CI: -0.13 to 0.25). For the knee joint, significant heterogeneity was found among studies with an I² value of 52% and an overall SMD of -0.01 (95% CI: -0.28 to 0.26), indicating that the effect of fatigue on knee ROM was inconsistent. This study concludes that muscle fatigue plays a crucial role in biomechanical changes that may increase the risk of injury in badminton athletes. Coaches are advised to implement interventions such as dynamic stretching and foam rolling to reduce muscle stiffness and maintain optimal ROM during matches. This study provides a critical scientific basis for developing evidence-based injury prevention programs.

The effectiveness of foam rolling with and without vibration and static stretching on range of motion, muscle strength and proprioception of the ankle joint in adults with chronic ankle instability

BackgroundPeople with chronic ankle instability (CAI) have insufficient ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM) and decreases proprioception and muscle strength. Foam roller with and without vibration as a warm-up intervention may have benefits for healthy populations, but the effect on applied to injured individuals is still lacking, especially in CAI. Therefore, we aimed to compare the acute effects of three warm-up interventions, including vibration foam rolling (VR), foam rolling (FR), and static stretching (SS) in adults with CAI. MethodsThis study was a randomized, counterbalanced crossover trial. Eligible sixteen adults with CAI received all three interventions (VR, FR, and SS) in unilateral CAI leg in a randomized order. Each intervention included 6 sets, 30 s each, targeting the ankle dorsiflexors and plantarflexors, with a 30-s rest time in between. Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM), muscle strength, and ankle proprioception were measured before and immediately after each intervention. ResultsVR significantly improved ankle DFROM and muscle strength by over 30% compared to the pre-intervention, whereas FR improved DFROM by 23.68%, and SS did not improve DFROM. Additionally, VR was more significantly effective than SS in improving ankle DFROM and maximal strength. The ankle joint repositioning error angle did not have significantly different. ConclusionsOur results suggest that VR and FR interventions may be incorporated into warm-ups for adults with CAI to improve ankle DFROM. Furthermore, VR offers additional benefits in increasing muscle strength, especially compared to SS.

Foam Rolling Intervention Improves Lactate Clearance After High-Intensity Exercise.

The acute effects of a foam rolling intervention on lactate clearance and the impaired executive function associated with fatigue after high-intensity exercise remain unclear. This study examined whether foam rolling is an effective tool for fatigue recovery. Eighteen healthy adults without consistent exercise habits participated in this study. Participants performed high-intensity exercises, and the post-exercise foam rolling intervention was compared to the control condition. Measurements included lactate, vigor/fatigue by the Profile of Mood States 2nd Edition, cognitive function (cognitive task performance), leg and body rating of perceived exertion pre- and post-exercise, and post-intervention. Blood lactate concentrations post-foam rolling intervention (-7.3 ± 3.0 mmol/L) were significantly reduced among all participants. Increased lactate clearance by foam rolling correlated with a faster recovery of executive function for those with greater lactate clearance. However, cognitive fatigue was not observed after high-intensity exercise (p = 0.086, r = 0.41). Lactate clearance was not significantly correlated with the rating of perceived exertion in the foam rolling condition. The rating of the perceived exertion decreased with increased lactate clearance for those with greater lactate clearance in the control condition (leg: r = 0.778; body: r = 0.669). In conclusion, foam rolling intervention may be effective for exhausting exercise recovery.

Acute Effects of Foam Rolling vs. Vibration Foam Rolling on Blood Flow Parameters in Professional Soccer Players: A Randomized Crossover Design.

Padrón-Cabo, A, Alonso-Calvete, A, Radzimiński, Ł, Rey, E, and Lorenzo-Martínez, M. Acute Effects of foam rolling vs. vibration foam rolling on blood flow parameters in professional soccer players: a randomized crossover design. J Strength Cond Res 38(11): 1885-1890, 2024-The study aimed to compare the effects of foam roller (FR) and vibration foam roller (VFR) on blood flow parameters, measured by Doppler ultrasonography in professional soccer players. A randomized crossover design was used, and 10 professional soccer players participated in 3 experimental sessions: FR, VFR, and a control condition (CC). The maximum velocity (MVel) and maximum volume (MVol) blood flow parameters were measured in the common femoral artery of the dominant leg at 5 different time points as follows: before (pre), immediately after (post 0'), 10 (post 10'), 20 (post 20'), and 30 minutes (post 30') after the intervention. Both FR and VFR involved two 45-second sets with 15-second rest between sets in the quadriceps and hamstring, while CC required sitting for 240 seconds. The FR condition showed a significant increase in MVel ( p < 0.01) at all time points after the intervention, and an increase in MVol ( p < 0.05) only at post 0' compared with pre. The VFR condition showed a significant ( p < 0.05) increase in MVel at post 0' and post 10' and an increase ( p < 0.05) in MVol at post 0' compared with pre. In comparison with CC, the FR and VFR conditions presented significantly ( p < 0.05) higher MVel values at post 0', post 10', post 20', and post 30' than CC. For both FR and VFR conditions, the MVol not only revealed a significant ( p < 0.05) increase at post 0' but also at post 10' for VFR compared with CC. In summary, the FR and VFR interventions demonstrated a similar increase in blood flow parameters, suggesting that both strategies may accelerate physiological recovery in elite soccer players.

The acute cross-education effect of foam rolling on the thigh muscles in patients after total knee arthroplasty.

In the early postoperative period after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), joint range of motion (ROM) limitation and increased stiffness due to pain are commonly observed. Previous studies have reported that a single bout of foam rolling (FR) can acutely increase ROM and pain threshold on the contralateral (non-intervention) side in healthy participants. In this study, we aimed to expand this knowledge for TKA rehabilitation and investigated the acute effects of FR intervention on the non-operative side on ROM, stiffness, and pain of the operative side in postoperative patients within the first week after TKA. The study employed a randomized crossover design: 20 patients (mean age 75.0 ± 7.8 years) in the first postoperative week after TKA were divided alternately into Roll_Break and Break_Roll groups in the order of prescription. In the Roll_Break group, after the initial evaluation, a 180-s (60-s × three sets) FR intervention using a roller massager by a physiotherapist for the knee extensors was performed on the contralateral side (non-operative side), followed by the measurement. Afterwards, after 180-s of supine at rest, the measurement was performed again (i.e., control phase). In the Break_Roll group, after the initial evaluation, each patient was placed in a seated resting position for 180-s, and then another measurement was performed (i.e., control phase). After this, the FR intervention was performed for 180-s, and then the measurement was performed again. The intensity of the FR intervention was set to the maximum intensity that did not cause pain. We measured pain using the visual analogue scale at rest and during the knee joint ROM measurements, knee joint active movement ROM, knee joint passive ROM, and stiffness during the knee joint active movement. All outcome variables showed significant improvements after the FR intervention (intervention phase) when compared pre- to post-intervention, and significantly favourable effects were found compared to the control condition. The results showed significant improvements in ROM, pain, and stiffness of the operative side after the FR intervention on the non-operative side. For future therapy approaches for TKA patients, FR treatment of the non-operative side should be employed in the first weeks after surgery.

The comparison of the effects of percussive massage therapy, foam rolling and hamstring stretching on flexibility, knee range of motion, and jumping performance in junior athlete: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundBefore every sporting event, almost all athletes engage in a routine practice of warming up to prepare the body for peak performance. There has been a surge in popularity within the athletic world around the use of percussive massage therapy (PMT).ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to see if using percussive massage therapy, foam rolling (FR), and hamstring stretching (HStr) as part of a warm-up routine had any acute effects on flexibility, jumping performance, and range of motion in junior athletes, and if so, whether there was a significant difference in the acute effects of these treatment methods.MethodsThirty-nine junior athletes with at least 3 years of experience, male gender, age range above 17, seated flexion test < 40 cm, and a willingness to participate were all considered for admittance. Participants were randomly divided into three groups. Before and after the treatment, the seated flexion test, vertical jump test, active SLR, and active knee extension were measured.ResultsThe study found significant improvement in all three groups when comparing them within the groups in the sit and reach test (PMT p < 0.001, FR p = 0.002, and HStr p = 0.001), active SLR (PMT p < 0.001, FR p < 0.001, and HStr p = 0.001), active knee extension (PMT p < 0.001, FR p = 0.002, and HStr p = 0.004), and vertical jump test (PMT p < 0.001, FR p = 0.011, and HStr (p < 0.001). Comparisons between groups showed significant differences among PMT vs. FR (p = 0.041) in vertical jump height and PMT vs. HStr (p = 0.034) in active SLR.ConclusionWe detected a notable disparity in hamstring flexibility between the PMT and FR groups, as well as in vertical jump height between the PMT and HStr groups. However, there was no apparent alteration in active knee extension in all three groups.

Acute local and non-local morphological, sensory and fluid responses to stretching and foam rolling in young females

BackgroundThis study aimed to compare and examine the local and non-local effects of a foam rolling (FR) and static stretching (SS) intervention applied to the plantar flexor (PF). MethodsFourteen female participants were investigated. Each participant underwent three conditions in a random order at least 48h apart and at the same time of the day: Control (CC), SS, and FR. Each condition was performed unilaterally in the dominant PF for 4 sets (apart from CC). SS was performed for 30 s. The FR included 30 rolls (15 in each direction) over a period of 30 s. A rest of 30 s was provided between each set for all conditions. Outcome variables were ankle dorsiflexion range of movement (ROM), tissue hardness, localized bioimpedance analysis at 50 kHz (L-BIA), and pain pressure thresholds (PPT). Tissue hardness, L-BIA, and PPT were measured in the lower leg and thigh. Measures were assessed pre (T0), immediately post (T1), and 10-min after (T2) the intervention. ResultsNo differences were found for time for the CC or between the T0 of each condition. Concerning the lower leg, ROM improved for SS and FR from T0 to T1 while returning to baseline in T2. A significant increase in PPT was observed only for SS in T1. L-BIA showed a significant increase for both phase angle and impedance only for FR in T1. Tissue hardness did not change for any group at any time-point. Concerning the thigh, no measure at any time point showed significant differences. ConclusionBoth, FR and SS were able to acutely improve ankle ROM. The observed changes were probably caused by a change in viscoelastic properties and local pain perception, without any variation in tissue morphology. FR was the only intervention to improve the intracellular-to-extracellular ratio and decrease fluids. Non-local effects were not observed.

Acute Effects of Combined and Distinctive Stretching, Foam Rolling, and Eccentric Exercise in Young Men with Hamstring Tightness.

This study investigated the changes in fascicle length (FL), musculotendinous unit (MTU) stiffness, muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2), and muscular performance following a single bout of a combination of static stretching (SS) or dynamic stretching (DS) with foam rolling (FR), SS only, and eccentric exercise (ECC) only in young men with hamstring tightness. Twenty-five men (20.5 ± 1.5 years) participated in a crossover randomized study of the four conditions (DS+FR, SS+FR, SS, and ECC); each session was spaced seven days apart. FL, MTU stiffness during the straight leg raise (SLR), hamstring SmO2, and isometric and eccentric torque were measured before, immediately and 30 min after exercise. Immediately after exercise, the SLR increased significantly by means of 7.4% (d = 1.07), 6% (d = 1.27), 6% (d = 1.10), and 8% (d = 1.04, all p < 0.001) for DS+FR, SS+FR, ECC, and SS, respectively. FL was longer after exercise under all four conditions (p < 0.05). MTU stiffness decreased after ECC (p = 0.038, d = 0.40). SmO2 tended to decrease for ECC (p > 0.05), but it was increased immediately after those three exercises. Hamstring isometric torque was significantly reduced by an average of 6-9%, but eccentric torque changes varied among conditions. In conclusion, substantial and similar immediate increases in hamstring flexibility, coupled with reduced isometric torque following various exercises, were accompanied by condition-specific alterations in fascicle length, MTU stiffness, or SmO2. These findings provide practical insights for acutely enhancing range of motion in individuals with tight hamstrings.

Gaelic Games Players' and Practitioners' Perceptions of Recovery Strategies.

This study both investigated and compared Gaelic games players' and practitioners' perceptions of the importance of postexercise recovery strategies. Gaelic players (n = 1178 [n = 574 female], age 24.6 [6.6]y) and practitioners (n = 148 [n = 29 female], age 35.9 [8.7]y) completed a questionnaire assessing their perceptions of various postexercise recovery strategies (importance ranked out of 5 [1 "not important at all" to 5 "extremely important"]). Players were further categorized by playing standard into developmental (club/collegiate; n = 869) and national (intercounty; n = 309) levels and by sport: Gaelic football (n = 813), camogie/hurling (n = 342), and Gaelic handball (n = 23). Practitioners were categorized as sport coaches (n = 67), strength and conditioning staff (n = 34), nutrition staff (n = 15), and athletic rehabilitation staff (n = 32). Gaelic players prevalently perceived sleep (76.4%), rehydration (72.5%), postexercise meal (48.4%), stretching (47.6%), active cool-down (25.1%), foam rolling (23.1%), and massage by therapist (22.6%) as "extremely important." Practitioners prevalently perceived sleep (90.1%), rehydration (83.6%), postexercise meal (76.6%), daytime naps (36.2%), stretching (25.4%), discussion with teammates (24.6%), and getting into nature (19.4%) as "extremely important." While strategies with well-documented efficacy such as sleep, nutrition, and rehydration were rated as most important, a distinct and possibly problematic disconnect exists between the perceived importance of many strategies and their empirically demonstrated effectiveness. For instance, active cool-downs and stretching were perceived as highly important despite prevailing evidence suggesting thattheir effects are often small in magnitude. Collectively, work promoting optimal recovery practices and aligning player-practitioner perspectives would be beneficial to maximize time and resource allocation and enhance player buy-in.

Acute Effects Of Vibration Foam Rolling On Lower Limb Performance In College Basketball Players

Acute Effects Of Vibration Foam Rolling On Lower Limb Performance In College Basketball Players