Foam Rolling Research Articles

The effect comparison of foam rolling and dynamic stretching on performance in motion tests by young volleyball players: a pilot study

Introduction: The aim of the pilot study was an effect comparison of stretching between foam rolling and dynamic stretching on performance in motion tests by young volleyball players. Methods: 1. Experimental sample – ESFR (n=8, age = 13.4±0.5 years, height = 173.8±7.7 cm, weight = 59.8±7.1 kg) absolved 6 measurements of indicators of stretching with foam rolling during 6 weeks. 2. Experimental sample – ESDS (n=8, age = 13.4±0.5 years, height = 174.5±9.5 cm, weight = 59.4±11.0 kg) absolved dynamic stretching. We had determined the stretching effect between ESFR and ESDS by comparison of performance in tests: spike jump (SS), block jump (BS) E-test (ET), run to cones (RC), throw with 1 kg ball (H2), sit and reach test (SR) and sit-ups (SU). Results: The most important determination was that better level of stretching presented in performance and it was determined in RC in two examples with medium effect and in three examples with large effect in behalf of ESFR. By contrast, one example from ESDS in parameter PS had better level of stretching with medium effect and one example with medium effect in H2. In other parameters (BS, SS, SU and ET) were the differences only small or none between ESFR and ESDS. Conclusion: The results of the pilot study indicate that using of foam rolling and dynamic stretching can have different influence on the level of stretching and preparation of young volleyball players. These results must be verified on larger experimental sample.

Effect of Foam Rolling along with Self-stretching on Pain and Range of Motion in Plantar Fasciitis Patient- A Quasi-experimental Study

Introduction: The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. Previous literature suggests that stretching exercise had shown better results in the non surgical treatment options available, due to this technique muscle strength and the force production capacity is reduced. Myofascial release is an alternate technique which can improve Range Of Motion (ROM) and reduce pain without compromising the muscle performance. Aim: To evaluate the effect of foam rolling along with selfstretching on pain and ROM in plantar fasciitis patients. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted between May 2020 to May 2021, at Kailash Institute of Nursing and Paramedical Sciences, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. Thirty participants with plantar fasciitis meeting the inclusion criteria of age between 24-60 years were included and allocated into two groups by convenience sampling. Group A received self-stretching of calf and plantar fascia whereas group B received foam rolling along with self-stretching of calf and plantar fascia for three weeks. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Weight Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT) were recorded at baseline and by the end of 3rd week for both the groups to measure pain and ankle ROM. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0 statistical software. The independent sample t-test was used for intergroup comparison and student’s paired t-test was utilised for within group comparison. The statistical difference significance was set at p-value <0.05 for all the test performed. Results: Within group analysis has shown that there was a statistically significant difference (p<0.001) in all the outcome measures in both the groups. The between group analysis showed no statistically significant difference in VAS (p=0.405) however significant difference were found in WBLT (p=0.003). Conclusion: The present study proved that both self-stretching and foam rolling with self-stretching showed significant improvement on pain and increasing ROM in plantar fasciitis. However, effectiveness of foam rolling with self-stretching was superior to self-stretching in terms of increasing WBLT.

Ankle Rehabilitation Robotic Platform. Part B: Possible Constructive Solutions

Traditional rehabilitation therapies use simple devices such as elastic bands and foam rollers. They also require the constant presence of a therapist. Rehabilitation exercises are long-lasting, repetitive and require effort from both the patient and the therapist. To counteract these disadvantages, high-performance robotic systems can be used for a complete recovery of the joint. However, the implementation of therapy assisted by robotic systems at the level of recuperative institutions is difficult, due to their high costs. Hence, the need to carry out research, in order to develop platforms with low cost, but with high functionality, which allow a complete recovery of the ankle joint, but also the monitoring of the patient's progress. Although the current literature notes a multitude of systems used in medical recovery, it can be said that at the moment there is no system that fully satisfies the patient's need for recovery and that does not face the previously mentioned technical problems. Consequently, the conception, development and implementation of rehabilitation platforms, adaptable to the patient's needs, are justified and will be the object of study of this work. In this paper, authors presented their work on the design of different constructive solutions of ankle rehabilitation platforms with two basis kinematics.

Effect of foam rolling of quadriceps, hamstring, and IT band on knee passive range of motion and physical function in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome - Randomized controlled trial

Effect of foam rolling of quadriceps, hamstring, and IT band on knee passive range of motion and physical function in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome - Randomized controlled trial

The effects of vibration stimulation during foam rolling to the ankle plantar flexor muscles on range of motion and muscle stiffness

The effects of vibration stimulation during foam rolling to the ankle plantar flexor muscles on range of motion and muscle stiffness

The Effect of Stretching the Clavicular Fibers of the Pectoralis Major Muscle on Thoracic Kyphosis The Effect of Stretching the Clavicular Fibers of the Pectoralis Major Muscle on Thoracic Kyphosis Angle

Background : In modern society, many people spend considerable time using visual display terminals, which can accelerate the induction of thoracic kyphosis. The abnormal arrangement of the thoracic vertebrae causes shortening of the pectoralis major muscle, in order to alleviate the thoracic spine lesions, stretching movements in the thoracic spine and thorax can relieve the tension in the intervertebral discs and surrounding tissues between the vertebrae and improve the thoracic kyphosis posture. Objectives : Three kinds of pectoralis major muscle extension training were designed to explore the effect of pectoralis major muscle extension on the angle of thoracic kyphosis, so as to provide theoretical guidance and data support for the clinical treatment and prevention of thoracic kyphosis. Methods : Ten adults with normal thoracic curvature were included in this study. Three methods 1) self-stretching on wall corner, 2) self-stretching with foam roller, 3) stretching in standing posture were applied for 5 days to stretch the pectoralis major. A double inclinometer was placed on the spinous process of the 1st and 12th thoracic vertebrae before and after the experiment, to measure changes in the thoracic kyphosis angle and compare the differences between the anterior and posterior data. Results : The thoracic kyphosis angle after extension exercise of the pectoralis major muscle was 24.9 ±6.78, while the thoracic kyphosis angle calculated before extension exercise was 27.4 ± 7.59, and there was a significant difference between the two p < 0.05. Conclusions : This study suggests that stretching the clavicular fibers of the pectoralis major muscle helps to reduce thoracic kyphosis.

COMPARATIVE STUDY REGARDING THE BENEFITS OF USING MEDICAL FLOSSING IN LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS

Although there are multiple published reviews about the effects of the most common techniques, such as stretching or the use of foam roller on the range of motion (Behm et al., 2016; Wilke et al., 2020) or performance parameters (Behm &amp; Wilke, 2019; Konrad et al., 2021), there is no analysis on the effects of medical flossing. To date, two reviews have been publishedabout effectiveness of using ankle flossing to improve dorsiflexion amplitude or jump performance (Pisz et al., 2020; Kielur &amp; Powden, 2020). This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of medical flossing added to routine treatment in patients with epicondylitis, compared to conventional physiotherapy treatment. The study included 6 subjects who showed localized pain in the area of the lateral epicondyle exacerbated with the Cozen test. The other criteria for selecting patients were the duration of the symptoms, less than 3 months from the onset of the disease and pain intensity more than 5 on the Visual Analog scale.To monitor the evolution of the subjects involved, we used a visual analog pain scale to assess the intensity of pain at different times during the application of therapy, before and after the end of the treatment. Another tool used to measure the degree of pain and dysfunction was the PRTEE Questionnaire (Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation). The rehabilitation program took place between August and September 2021, for 30 days, with afrequency of 3 times per week. 6 patients with lateral epicondylitis were included and medical flossing was used only in the case of 3 patients at each therapy session. The differences between groups at the time of the initial assessment, in terms of pain intensity were statistically insignificant (p=0.288, p&gt;0.05). The results obtained in terms of decreasing pain were in favor of the use of medical flossing as an adjuvant method in specific pain existing in lateral epicondylitis. Although in both groups there was a decrease in pain after 4 weeks of treatment, the intervention group recorded significant reduced values compared to the control group (p=0.024; p&lt;0.05). Regarding PRTEE Functional Score, at the final assesment there was a decrease in both groups, which means the functional condition of the patients has improved.

Chromogenic Anticounterfeit and Security Papers: An Easy and Effective Approach.

The synthesis and preparation of 12 chromogenic polymers used to build an intelligent label for security paper applications are described. The process involves coating paper sheets with the polymers. Depending on the number of different polymers used in a combinatory way, a maximum of 1212 combinations is possible, thus creating a matrix that is practically impossible to counterfeit. Currently, most anticounterfeiting proposals for paper-based packaging and documents involve some sort of verification under ultraviolet radiation, and the requirement of additional equipment often relegates the end-user to a passive role. In contrast, in our approach, the combination of sensory polymers in an array gives rise to an invisible label, i.e., an owner cryptographic key, which becomes visible upon scattering a nitrite solution (e.g., spraying or using an impregnated foam roller) over the printed label on the security paper. For this purpose, a monomer containing an aromatic primary amino group and another with an activated aromatic ring are covalently bonded to a polymer with high affinity toward paper, consisting essentially of units of methyl methacrylate and 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone. Subsequently, the paper samples are coated with the resulting sensory chromogenic polymer. By spraying, painting, or staining an aqueous acid solution of NaNO2 (at least 1.20 g/L) and the chromogenic polymers, a well-defined color appears, because of the formation of an azo compound. This process provides users with a quick and facile authentication method without additional equipment and without affecting paper strength.

Acute Effects of Foam Rolling Exercises on Arterial Stiffness, Flexibility and Autonomic Nervous System Function in Young and Middle-Aged Women

PURPOSE: Arterial stiffness is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and inversely associated with flexibility. Self-myofascial release (SMR) using a foam roller is a popular intervention to improve flexibility, restore the muscles, fascia, tendons, and ligaments, and regain soft-tissue extensibility. This study aimed to investigate whether a single bout of SMR has a beneficial effect on arterial stiffness and the function of the autonomic nervous system and the relationships among these variables in young and middle-aged women by age.METHODS: Ten healthy young (23.20±0.59 years) and 10 middle-aged women (44.50±0.91 years) completed an instructed SMR using a foam roller. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), augmentation index (AIx), trunk flexibility, shoulder flexibility, heart rate variability, including standard deviation of normal R-R intervals (SDNN), and the root mean square of the standard deviation of the time between heartbeats (RMSSD) were measured before and after one 30-minutes bout of SMR.RESULTS: After one bout of SMR, trunk and shoulder flexibility increased in both groups of women, while AIx decreased significantly (from 6.9±2.9 to -1.9±4.6%, p=.0072, young women group; from 22.1±3.4 to 14.7±1.7%, p=.0049, middle-aged women group). However, the baPWV, RMSSD, and SDNN did not change. In the analysis of correlations between all measured variables, changes in AIx showed negative correlations with flexibility and SDNN.CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that one bout of SMR using a foam roller positively affected arterial stiffness in women by reducing AIx and improving flexibility.

Acute Effects of Static Self-Stretching Exercises and Foam Roller Self-Massaging on the Trunk Range of Motions and Strength of the Trunk Extensors

Although the effectiveness of static self-stretching exercises (SSSEs) and foam roller self-massaging (FRSM) in joint range of motion and muscle strength of the lower limbs has been extensively investigated, little is known about their effectiveness on the posterior trunk muscles. The present study aimed to investigate the acute effects of two 7-min SSSEs and FRSM intervention protocols on the range of trunk movements and the strength of the trunk extensors. Twenty-five healthy active males (n = 14) and females (n = 11) performed each intervention separately, one week apart. The range of motion (ROM) of the trunk-hip flexion (T-HF), the ROM of the trunk side-flexion (TSF) and rotation (TR) bilaterally, as well as the isometric maximum strength (TESmax) and endurance (TESend) of the trunk extensors were measured before and after each intervention. The ROMs of T-HF, TSF, and TR were significantly increased following both SSSEs and FRSM. The TESmax and TESend were also significantly increased after FRSM, but decreased following SSSEs. While both interventions were effective in increasing the range of motion of the trunk, a single 7-min session of FRSM presented more advantages over a similar duration SSSEs protocol due to the increase in the strength of the trunk extensors it induced.

Expert Consensus on the Contraindications and Cautions of Foam Rolling-An International Delphi Study.

Background: Foam rolling is a type of self-massage using tools such as foam or roller sticks. However, to date, there is no consensus on contraindications and cautions of foam rolling. A methodological approach to narrow that research gap is to obtain reliable opinions of expert groups. The aim of the study was to develop experts’ consensus on contraindications and cautions of foam rolling by means of a Delphi process. Methods: An international three-round Delphi study was conducted. Academic experts, defined as having (co-) authored at least one PubMed-listed paper on foam rolling, were invited to participate. Rounds 1 and 2 involved generation and rating of a list of possible contraindications and cautions of foam rolling. In round 3, participants indicated their agreement on contraindications and cautions for a final set of conditions. Consensus was evaluated using a priori defined criteria. Consensus on contraindications and cautions was considered as reached if more than 70% of participating experts labeled the respective item as contraindication and contraindication or caution, respectively, in round 3. Results: In the final Delphi process round, responses were received from 37 participants. Panel participants were predominantly sports scientists (n = 21), physiotherapists (n = 6), and medical professionals (n = 5). Consensus on contraindications was reached for open wounds (73% agreement) and bone fractures (84%). Consensus on cautions was achieved for local tissue inflammation (97%), deep vein thrombosis (97%), osteomyelitis (94%), and myositis ossificans (92%). The highest impact/severity of an adverse event caused by contraindication/cautions was estimated for bone fractures, deep vein thrombosis, and osteomyelitis. Discussion: The mechanical forces applied through foam rolling can be considered as potential threats leading to adverse events in the context of the identified contraindications and cautions. Further evaluations by medical professionals as well as the collection of clinical data are needed to assess the risks of foam rolling and to generate guidance for different applications and professional backgrounds.

Roller Massage Prior to Running Does Not Affect Gait Mechanics in Well-Trained Runners.

Understanding if roller massage prior to a run can mitigate fatigue-related decrements in muscle force production during prolonged running is important because of the association between fatigue and running-related injury. The authors investigated whether a bout of roller massage prior to running would (1)mitigate fatigue-related increases in vertical average load rate and free moment of the ground reaction force of running and (2)mitigate decreases in maximal countermovement jump height. Repeated-measures study. Laboratory. A total of 14 recreational endurance athletes (11 men and 3 women) volunteered for the study. A 12.5-minute foam roller protocol for the lower extremities and a fatiguing 30-minute treadmill run. Vertical average load rate, free moment, and maximal jump height before (PRE) and after (POST) the fatiguing treadmill run on separate experimental days: once where participants sat quietly prior to the fatiguing run (REST) and another where the foam roller protocol was performed prior to the run (ROLL). A 2-way multiple analysis of variance found no significant differences in vertical average load rate, free moment, and jump height between PRE/POST times in both REST/ROLL conditions. The authors concluded that recreational endurance athletes maintain running mechanics and jump performance after a fatiguing run regardless of prerun roller massage and may not rely on prerun roller massage as a form of injury prevention.

Acute Effects of Vibration Foam Rolling with Light and Moderate Pressure on Blood Pressure and Senior Fitness Test in Older Women.

Vibration foam rolling (VR) can improve flexibility and sports performance. However, blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and senior fitness test (SFT) responses induced by an acute VR session in older women are currently unknown. Fifteen healthy women (72.90 ± 4.32 years) completed three separated randomly sequenced experimental visits. During each visit, they started with a warm-up protocol (general warm up (GW): walking + static stretching (SS), SS + VR with light pressure (VRL), or SS + VR with moderate pressure (VRM)), and completed BP, HR, SFT measurements. The systolic BP increased significantly after all three warm up protocols (p < 0.05). Both VRL and VRM protocols induced statistically significant improvements (effect size range: 0.3–1.04, p < 0.05) in the senior fitness test (back scratch, 30 s chair stand, 30 s arm curl, and 8 foot up and go), as compared to the GW. In addition, the VRM showed greater improvement for the 2 min step test when comparing with the VRL. Therefore, including VR in a warm-up protocol can result in superior SFT performance enhancement than the GW does in healthy older women.

Efficacy of Self Myofascial Release Technique to Reduce Frequency and Severity of Noctural Leg Cramp in Older Adults

Background: Nocturnal leg cramps (NLC) are involuntary muscle contractions of the calf muscles, hamstrings, or foot muscles that occur unexpectedly, episodically, and are unpleasant. Night time cramping affects about one-third of adults. Leg cramps can strike anyone at any age, although they are more widespread and often more severe as grow older. The majority of cramps are idiopathic, and the physiological cause behind them is unknown. Muscle cramps appear to be triggered by neuromuscular structures in muscle, tendons, and nerve fibres, according to some writers. Musculoskeletal issues linked to a sedentary lifestyle, as well as job postures, prolonged standing, and the western habit of sitting rather than squatting, have been implicated of generating cramps, particularly NLC. Patients with cramps have a higher risk of peripheral vascular disease than individuals without cramps. Stretching before bedtime can help older persons lessen the frequency and severity of nocturnal leg cramps. Stretching treatments, like as Myofacial Release, can help relieve NLC. Self-Myofacial release (SMFR) is a sort of Myofacial release (MFR) that is accomplished by the person rather than a therapist, and it is usually done with the help of a tool. Self-MFR is a low-cost, easily accessible approach for people to relieve muscle and fascia pain while also maintaining flexibility. Foam rollers and roller massage are two of the most used devices for self-MFR. MFR is used to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal disorders; it is used to treat a wide range of problems, and many types of treatment, such as trigger-point therapy and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, fall under the myofascial umbrella.&#x0D; Aim and Objectives: To study the main impact of Self Myofascial Release (SMFR) to decreasing the duration of pain and improving Quality of Life in patients with NLC.&#x0D; Methodology: In this study total 30 patient with nocturnal leg cramps will receive Self Myofascial Release technique (SMFR), it will be including exercise which will be performed for 4 weeks twice a day and each for 5-10 mins.&#x0D; Discussion: This study is done to find out the effectiveness of Self Myofacial release in individual with nocturnal leg cramps (NLC).&#x0D; Conclusion: Conclusion of the study can be made based on the effect of Self Myofascial Release technique on patient with nocturnal leg cramps.

Acute Effects of Foam Rolling on Hamstrings After Half-Marathon: A Muscle Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study.

Purpose: Foam rolling (FR) is widely used for post-exercise muscle recovery; yet, the effects of FR on skeletal muscle inflammation and microvascular perfusion following prolonged exercise are poorly understood. We aim to address the gap in knowledge by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 mapping and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) sequences to study the acute effects of FR on hamstrings following half-marathon running in recreational runners.Methods: Sixteen healthy recreational marathon runners were recruited. After half-marathon running, FR was performed on the hamstrings on the dominant side, while the other limb served as a control. MRI T2 and IVIM scans were performed bilaterally at baseline (pre-run), 2–3 h after running (post-run), immediately after FR (post-FR0), 30 min after FR (post-FR30) and 60 min after FR (post-FR60). T2, a marker for inflammatory edema, as well as IVIM microvascular perfusion fraction index f for biceps femoris long head (BFL), semitendinosus (ST) and semimembranosus (SM) were determined. Total Quality Recovery (TQR) scale score was also collected.Results: Both T2 and f were higher at post-run compared to pre-run in all hamstrings on both sides (all p < 0.05; all d > 1.0). For the FR side, T2 decreased, and f increased significantly at post-FR0 and post-FR30 compared to post-run in all muscles (p < 0.05; all d > 0.4) except for f at BFL and SM at post-FR30 (both p > 0.05), though f at BFL was still marginally elevated at post-FR30 (p = 0.074, d = 0.91). Both parameters for all muscles returned to post-run level at post-FR60 (all p > 0.05; all d < 0.4) except for T2 at SM (p = 0.037). In contrast, most MRI parameters were not changed at post-FR0, post-FR30 and post-FR60 compared to post-run for the control side (p < 0.05; d < 0.2). TQR scores were elevated at post-FR0 and post-FR30 compared to post-run (both p < 0.05; both d > 1.0), and returned to the post-run level at post-FR60 (p > 0.99; d = 0.09). Changes in TQR scores compared to post-run at any time points after FR were correlated to T2 for ST at post-FR30 (r = 0.50, p = 0.047) but not T2 for other muscles and any changes in f values.Conclusions: Hamstrings inflammatory edema and microvascular perfusion were elevated following half-marathon running, which were detectable with MRI T2 mapping and IVIM sequences. FR resulted in acute alleviation in inflammation and greater microvascular perfusion; however, the effects seemed to last only for a short period of time (30–60 min). FR can provide short-term benefits to skeletal muscle after prolonged running.

Comparison of Self-Myofascial Release with Foam Rolling and Active Static Hamstring Stretching for Individuals with Hamstring Tightness

Background: Although it has been reported that both self-myofascial release (SMR) with foam rolling (FR) and active static hamstring stretching (e.g., jackknife stretching) are effective in improving hamstring flexibility, no study has compared the effects of these exercises. Objectives: To compare the effects of SMR with FR and jack-knife stretching on hamstring flexibility. Design: A Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Subjects with hamstring tightness were divided into the SMR with the FR group (n=12) and the jack-knife stretching group (n=12). Subjects groups performed SMR with FR or jack-knife stretching according to group assignment. To identify changes in hamstring flexibility, the finger-to-floor distance (FFD) test, active knee extension (AKE) test, and passive straight leg raising (PSLR) test were performed at pre- and post-exercise. Results: Significant increases occurred in knee extension angle during the AKE test and hip flexion angle during the PSLR test after exercise in both groups (P .05). Conclusion: Both SMR with FR and jack-knife stretching are effective in improving hamstring flexibility in subjects with hamstring tightness.

The effect of myofascial self-relase therapy on changes in perficial back line flexibility

Background. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of self myofascial release (SMR) using foam rolling on elasticity of (SMR) using rolling superficial back line (SBL) in young physically active adults. Material and methods. The sample included 40 students (man age 4.91 years). Tissue flexibility was assessed before and after rolling using one of EUROFIT motor ability tests of flexibility. The subjects performed a maximal forward flexion. 9-minute long rolling was performed in the following areas of the body: rear surface of the feet, rear surface of the shanks. rear surface of the thighs. paraspinal muscles of the sacrolumbar spine. The values corresponding to flexion depth prior to and following rolling were compared. Student’s t-test was applied for statistical analysis and significance level was set at p&lt;0.05. Results Depth of flexion significantly increased after rolling (p&lt;0.001). on average by 3.24 cm (31%). It was also found that gender had no effect on the differences in the values corresponding to the depth of superficial back line . In 65 % of the sample improvement of well-being was noted after rolling. Conclusions. The results indicate that the release using a roller is an easy accessible approach to prophylactic measures aimed at improvement of body elasticity.

Efficacy of Percussive Massage versus Calf Stretching on Pain, Range of Motion, Muscle Strength and Functional Outcomes in Patients with Plantar Fasciitis – A Research Protocol

Introduction: Plantar fasciitis occurs with the deterioration of the plantar fascia and related surrounding tissues around the heel's medial calcaneal tuberosity. This illness usually causes tightness in the calf muscles. These tight muscles are thought to interfere with the normal biomechanics of ambulation. The invention of percussion massage guns intends to improve the usefulness and efficiency of self-myofascial release, following in the footsteps of vibrating foam rollers. Since there is limited research on muscle gun devices, despite their growing popularity, this study will look into their effects on range of motion, essential physiological or biomechanical factors that contribute to the disease, and their capacity to reduce muscular tightness.&#x0D; Methodology: Subjects with Plantar Fasciitis (n = 48) will be recruited for a single-blind RCT. Participants will be assigned randomly to the experimental or control groups with a one-to-one allocation ratio. Participants in Group A will receive treatment via Theragun, Hot/cold immersion therapy, and a home exercise regimen during a one-week period immediately following baseline evaluations and randomization. Participants in GROUP B would only be subjected to Calf Stretching, a Contrast Bath, and a home exercise regimen. For a week, the calf muscles were treated for 5 minutes every day (7 sessions in all). As 1 week is completed, the efficacy of the approach for both groups is assessed using ankle flexibility tests, VAS, universal goniometers, Active Manual muscle testing, and the (PFPS) as outcome measures.&#x0D; Discussion: The purpose of this study is to compare the benefits of the Hypervolt device vs calf stretching in individuals with plantar fasciitis. The outcomes of the study, which may include a newly designed rehabilitation technique, may assist patients experiencing Plantar +-Fasciitis.&#x0D; Conclusion: Conclusion will be drawn based on the effect of both the techniques on Pain, Range of Motion, Muscle Strength, and Functional Outcomes in Patients with Plantar Fasciitis.

Acute Effect of Vibration Roller With and Without Rolling on Various Parts of the Plantar Flexor Muscle.

A single use of a vibration foam roller likely increases the range of motion (ROM) without decreasing muscle strength and athletic performance. However, to date, no study compared the effects of a vibration roller with and without rolling on various parts of the plantar flexor muscle. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of the vibration foam roller with rolling or without rolling at the muscle-tendon junction (MTJ) or the muscle belly on dorsiflexion (DF) ROM, passive torque at DF ROM, shear elastic modulus, muscle strength, and jump performance. Fifteen healthy young males performed the following three conditions: (1) vibration rolling over the whole muscle-tendon unit, (2) static vibration on muscle belly, and (3) static vibration on MTJ for three-set 60-s vibration in random order. In this study, DF ROM, passive torque, shear elastic modulus, muscle strength, and single-leg drop jump were measured before and immediately after the interventions. The DF ROM and passive torque at DF ROM were increased after all three conditions, whereas the shear elastic modulus was decreased after vibration rolling and static vibration on the muscle belly, but not following static vibration of the MTJ. In addition, there were no significant changes in muscle strength and jump performance in any group. Our results showed that vibration with rolling or static vibration on muscle belly could be effective to improve ROM and muscle stiffness without adverse effects of muscle strength and athletic performance.

Effects of Self-Myofascial Release Using a Foam Roller on the Stiffness of the Gastrocnemius-Achilles Tendon Complex and Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion.

Increased muscle stiffness can contribute to reduced range of motion (ROM) and impaired function. Reduced ankle dorsiflexion ROM has been associated with increased injury risk in the ankle. Self-myofascial release (SMR) has been widely used in clinical and sports settings, but the effects of SMR on gastrocnemius and Achilles tendon (AT) stiffness are unclear. Therefore, we investigated the effects of self-myofascial release using a foam roller (FR) on the stiffness of the gastrocnemius–AT complex and ankle dorsiflexion ROM. Fifty healthy, untrained, and non-sedentary participants (age=22.5±2.6years) were randomly divided into an intervention group (FR group) and a control group. The subjects in the intervention group received a single foam roller intervention (three sets of 1min), while the subjects in the control group performed a 5-min sedentary rest. Stiffness of the gastrocnemius–AT complex was evaluated using MyotonPRO and the ankle dorsiflexion ROM was assessed using the weight-bearing lunge test. For the foam roller and control groups, the between-group analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in gastrocnemius stiffness and ankle dorsiflexion ROM after intervention (p<0.05). Within-group analysis revealed a significant increase in ROM and a significant decrease in medial and lateral gastrocnemius (LG) stiffness for the foam roller group after the intervention (p<0.05). In addition, further analysis of the preintervention data revealed a significant negative correlation between ankle dorsiflexion ROM and AT stiffness (r=−0.378 and p=0.007). These results suggest that self-myofascial release using a foam roller on the calf is an effective method for decreasing the stiffness of the gastrocnemius and increasing ankle dorsiflexion ROM.