Comparison of the effects of different foam rolling durations on knee extensors function.

Foam rolling (FR) intervention has recently attracted attention in sports and rehabilitation settings. However, the effects of FR using different rolling durations have not been fully clarified. Thus, this study focused on FR durations and examined the acute and prolonged (i.e., 20-min; 40-min, 60-min) effects of different FR intervention durations on maximal voluntary concentric contractions (MVC-CON), knee flexion range of motion (ROM), pain pressure threshold (PPT), and tissue hardness. The participants were 10 male university students (22.5 ± 1.0 years), and the target muscles were the dominant leg knee extensors. Three sets of 60-seconds FR interventions were performed in the randomized crossover trials in each condition. The three intervention conditions were fast (1 rolling/2 s, 30-repetition × 3 sets, 90 repetitions), medium (1 rolling/6 s, 10-repetition × 3 sets, 30 repetitions), and slow speed (1 rolling/12 s, 5-repetition × 3 sets, 15 repetitions). Before as well as immediately, 20-min, 40-min, and 60-min after the interventions, MVC-CON, ROM PPT, and tissue hardness were measured. The results showed no interaction effect in the acute effect but a main effect of time for all variables (p < 0.05). Also, no interaction was observed in prolonged effect, but main effects of time were observed in knee flexion ROM, PPT, and tissue hardness (p < 0.01) but not for MVC-CON. Post-hoc tests showed significant PPT (p < 0.05) and knee flexion ROM (p < 0.01) increases up to 20- and 60-minutes respectively after all interventions. Tissue hardness was significantly (p < 0.01) decreased up to 60-minutes after all interventions. This study showed that the FR intervention changed ROM, PPT, tissue hardness, and MVC-CON regardless of rolling duration and that the effects persisted up to 20-60 minutes.

Comparison of dynamic and static balance among professional male soccer players by position.

PURPOSE: Balance is an important performance aspect of all athletes. The aim of this study was to compare static and dynamic balance in soccer players in different positions. METHODS: Forty youth and young adult professional soccer players were divided into four groups according to their playing positions: goalkeepers (GK), defenders (DF), midfielders (MF) and forwards (FW) (10 per position). Static and dynamic balance assessed on the dominant and non-dominant legs were measured using a force platform for 30s (static one-leg stand), and "Y Balance Test" (dynamic balance). RESULTS: GK exhibited greater ML static balance (less ML sway) compared with other players (p < 0.02-0.001). Moreover, results demonstrated better GK dynamic balance compared to DF and FW (p < 0.04-0.006). MF showed better dynamic balance than DF and FW (p < 0.019-0.007) and lower dynamic balance scores were found among DF and FW (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, these results affirm position-specific balance performance with greater static and dynamic balance of GK and dynamic balance with MF. It is suggested that evaluation of balance and postural control performance should be considered a relevant part of the position-specific functional evaluation of soccer players.

Manual myofascial release and muscle energy enhances trunk flexibility and strength in recreationally resistance-trained women: Cross-over study.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of myofascial release and muscle energy on acute outcomes in trunk extensors active range-of-motion and strength in recreationally resistance-trained women. Seventeen apparently healthy women performed three experimental protocols using a cross-over, randomized (counterbalanced in Latin Square format), and within-subjects design: a) range-of-motion and strength test after a manual myofascial release protocol (MFR); b) flexibility and strength test after a muscle energy protocol (ME); and c) range-of-motion and strength test without myofascial release or muscle energy (control condition). Active trunk range-of-motion was measured via a sit-and-reach test and trunk extension strength via isometric dorsal dynamometer. A significant increase in range-of-motion was found for MFR (p = 0.002; d = 0.71) and ME (p < 0.001; d = 0.47) when comparing post-intervention with baseline values. Similarly, a significant increase for strength was found for MFR (p = 0.018; d = 0.10) when comparing post-intervention with baseline values. In conclusion, both techniques (MFR and ME) improved trunk range-of-motion with the sit and reach test immediately post-intervention; however, MFR showed greater magnitude increases in range-of-motion (MFR: (medium magnitude) vs ME: small magnitude). Due to the potential health implications, both (MFR and ME) responses should be among the many considerations for rehabilitation and performance exercise prescription when prescribing an exercise regimen.

A comparison of a single bout of stretching or foam rolling on range of motion in healthy adults.

PURPOSE: Stretching and foam rolling are common warm-up exercises and can acutely increase the range of motion (ROM) of a joint. However, possible differences in the magnitude of change on ROM between these two interventions on the immediate and prolonged effects (e.g., 10 min after the intervention) are not yet well understood. Thus, the purpose of this review was to compare the immediate and prolonged effects of a single bout of foam rolling with a single bout of stretching on ROM in healthy participants. METHODS: In total, 20 studies with overall 38 effect sizes were found to be eligible for a meta-analysis. For the main analysis, subgroup analysis, we applied a random-effect meta-analysis, mixed-effect model, respectively. The subgroup analyses included age groups, sex, and activity levels of the participants, as well as the tested muscles, the duration of the application, and the study design. RESULTS: Meta-analyses revealed no significant differences between a single stretching and foam rolling exercise immediately after the interventions (ES = 0.079; P = 0.39) nor a difference 10 min (ES = - 0.051; P = 0.65), 15 min (ES = - 0.011; P = 0.93), and 20 min (ES = - 0.161; P = 0.275) post-intervention. Moreover, subgroup analyses revealed no other significant differences between the acute effects of stretching and foam rolling (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: If the goal is to increase the ROM acutely, both interventions can be considered as equally effective. Likely, similar mechanisms are responsible for the acute and prolonged ROM increases such as increased stretch tolerance or increased soft-tissue compliance.

Foam rolling during a simulated half-time attenuates subsequent soccer-specific performance decrements.

The passive nature of the half-time period with soccer/football can result in second-half performance decrements. As foam rolling (FR) can increase range of motion, neuromuscular efficiency, and enhance arterial function, the inclusion of FR during half-time may attenuate performance decrements. The objective of this acute study was to compare FR versus passive recovery during a simulated half-time period on simulated second-half soccer pass, sprint performance as well as quality of recovery. Thirteen male soccer players simulated a soccer match by performing two bouts of 15 × 20 m sprints with 30-s rest intervals. The bouts were separated by 10-min with either a passive recovery or they performed five FR exercises on both legs for 45-s each with 15-s rest. Tests were conducted before and following the simulated half-time period and consisted of Total Quality of Recovery (TQR), Loughborough Soccer Pass Test (LSPT), blood lactate (LAC), and sprint velocity of the simulated soccer match. Heart rates (HR) were recorded at the end of each test session and each sprint. Results showed no significant changes between conditions for TQR, LSPT, LAC and HR. However, while all sprint speed measures (mean, best of 15 sprints and mean of the first 5 sprints) significantly decreased with the passive condition, no decrement was noted with all sprint measures with the FR condition; there was only a significant (p = 0.001; d = 0.63) 2.1% decrease with the mean of the first 5 sprints. In conclusion, there is some evidence that FR may be beneficial to attenuate sprint speed impairments.

Foam Rolling Prescription: A Clinical Commentary.

Behm, DG, Alizadeh, S, Hadjizadeh Anvar, S, Mahmoud, MMI, Ramsay, E, Hanlon, C, and Cheatham, S. Foam rolling prescription: a clinical commentary. J Strength Cond Res 34(11): 3301-3308, 2020-Although the foam rolling and roller massage literature generally reports acute increases in range of motion (ROM) with either trivial or small performance improvements, there is little information regarding appropriate rolling prescription. The objective of this literature review was to appraise the evidence and provide the best prescriptive recommendations for rolling to improve ROM and performance. The recommendations represent studies with the greatest magnitude effect size increases in ROM and performance. A systematic search of the rolling-related literature found in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was conducted using related terms such as foam rolling, roller massage, ROM, flexibility, performance, and others. From the measures within articles that monitored ROM (25), strength (41), jump (41), fatigue (67), and sprint (62) variables; regression correlations and predictive quadratic equations were formulated for number of rolling sets, repetition frequency, set duration, and rolling intensity. The analysis revealed the following conclusions. To achieve the greatest ROM, the regression equations predicted rolling prescriptions involving 1-3 sets of 2-4-second repetition duration (time for a single roll in one direction over the length of a body part) with a total rolling duration of 30-120-second per set. Based on the fewer performance measures, there were generally trivial to small magnitude decreases in strength and jump measures. In addition, there was insufficient evidence to generalize on the effects of rolling on fatigue and sprint measures. In summary, relatively small volumes of rolling can improve ROM with generally trivial to small effects on strength and jump performance.

Do Self-Myofascial Release Devices Release Myofascia? Rolling Mechanisms: A Narrative Review.

The term "self-myofascial release" is ubiquitous in the rehabilitation and training literature and purports that the use of foam rollers and other similar devices release myofascial constrictions accumulated from scar tissue, ischaemia-induced muscle spasms and other pathologies. Myofascial tone can be modulated with rollers by changes in thixotropic properties, blood flow, and fascial hydration affecting tissue stiffness. While rollers are commonly used as a treatment for myofascial trigger points, the identification of trigger points is reported to not be highly reliable. Rolling mechanisms underlying their effect on pain suppression are not well elucidated. Other rolling-induced mechanisms to increase range of motion or reduce pain include the activation of cutaneous and fascial mechanoreceptors and interstitial type III and IV afferents that modulate sympathetic/parasympathetic activation as well as the activation of global pain modulatory systems and reflex-induced reductions in muscle and myofascial tone. This review submits that there is insufficient evidence to support that the primary mechanisms underlying rolling and other similar devices are the release of myofascial restrictions and thus the term "self-myofascial release" devices is misleading.

Impact of 10-Minute Interval Roller Massage on Performance and Active Range of Motion.

Hodgson, DD, Quigley, PJ, Whitten, JHD, Reid, JC, and Behm, DG. Impact of 10-minute interval roller massage on performance and active range of motion. J Strength Cond Res 33(6): 1512-1523, 2019-Roller massage (RM) has been shown to increase range of motion (ROM) without subsequent performance deficits. However, prolonged static stretching (SS) can induce performance impairments. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of combining SS and RM with and without subsequent RM on ROM and neuromuscular performance. Subjects (n = 12) participated in 5 sessions: (a) SS only (SS_rest), (b) SS + RM (SS + RM_rest), (c) SS with RM at 10 and 20 minutes after stretch (SS_RM), (d) SS + RM with RM at 10 and 20 minutes after stretch (SS + RM_RM), and (e) control. For the SS conditions, the quadriceps and hamstrings received passive SS for 2 × 30 seconds each. For the SS + RM conditions, SS was applied to the quadriceps and hamstrings for 30 seconds each, and RM was performed for 30 seconds per muscle. SS_RM and SS + RM_RM conditions received an additional 30-second RM at 10 and 20 minutes after warm-up, whereas sessions without additional RM rested for the same duration. Testing measures included hip flexion (HF) and knee flexion (KF) active and passive ROM, hurdle jump height and contact time, countermovement jump height, and maximal voluntary isometric contraction force. Initial KF and HF ROM improvements provided by SS_RM and SS + RM_RM were sustained up to 30 minutes after intervention. Furthermore, SS_RM exhibited greater ROM compared with sessions lacking additional RM in active and passive HF as well as active and passive KF. Similarly, SS + RM_RM elicited greater KF and HF ROM improvements than SS_rest. In conclusion, active KF and HF ROM improvements were prolonged by additional RM, whereas neuromuscular performance remained relatively unaffected.

Test-retest reliability and criterion validity of a new Taekwondo Anaerobic Intermittent Kick Test.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the relative and absolute test-retest reliability and criterion validity of a new Taekwondo Anaerobic Intermittent Kick Test (TAIKT). METHODS: Twenty Tunisian elite Taekwondo athletes participated in this study (15 males and 5 females). Participants performed the TAIKT and the Running-based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST), twice (test and retest), on separate occasions three-week apart. Peak heart rate (HRpeak), blood lactate concentration [LaÖ¾], and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured during each session. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the test and retest of TAIKT and RAST for all performances and physiological variables, except for the absolute mean power (Pmean) of RAST. Test-retest results showed that the TAIKT and RAST were reliable. All TAIKT and RAST parameters had an ICC>0.90, SEM<5%, with the smallest worthwhile change slightly higher than SEM, with very small limits of concordance. Strong significant correlations were found between TAIKT and RAST parameters (Ppeak (r=0.81; r=0.70), Pmean (r=0.72; r=0.60) in (W and W·Kg-67 respectively), fatigue index (r=0.81), [LaÖ¾] (r=0.89) and RPE (r=0.78) at P<0.01, and HRpeak (r=0.55, at P<0.05)). CONCLUSIONS: The findings showed that the TAIKT can be considered as a valid and reliable specific test for assessing anaerobic power of Taekwondo athletes.

The Addition of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation with Roller Massage Alone or in Combination Did Not Increase Pain Tolerance or Range of Motion.

Roller massage (RM) can be painful and induce muscle activity during application. Acute increases in pain pressure threshold (PPT) and range of motion (ROM) have been previously reported following RM. It is unclear whether the RM-induced increases in PPT and ROM can be attributed to changes in neural or muscle responses. To help determine if neural pain pathways are affected by roller massage, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) was utilized as a form of electroanalgesia during RM with PPT and ROM tested on the affected and contralateral quadriceps. The purpose of this study was to evaluate in both quadriceps, the effect of brief intense TENS on PPT and ROM following unilateral RM of the quadriceps. A randomized within subjects' design was used to examine local and non-local effects of TENS and roller massage versus a control condition (rolling without TENS application). Four 30s bouts of roller massage of the dominant quadriceps were implemented with 30s of rest. The researcher applied the RM using a constant pressure device with approximately 70% of the maximum tolerable load. Perceived pain was monitored using a visual analog scale (VAS) during RM. Ipsilateral and contralateral quadriceps ROM and PPT were measured immediately following RM. Significant main effects for time showed increased PPT and ROM in both the treated and contralateral quadriceps, with no significant main effects for intervention or interactions for intervention and time. Moderate to large effect sizes and minimal clinically important differences (MCID) were detected when comparing baseline to pre- and post-tests respectively. VAS scores were significantly (main effect for intervention) and near significantly (interactions) reduced with MCID when TENS was applied during rolling. The addition of TENS to rolling did not increase PPT or ROM in the affected or contralateral quadriceps, likely due to a repeated testing effect.

FOUR WEEKS OF ROLLER MASSAGE TRAINING DID NOT IMPACT RANGE OF MOTION, PAIN PRESSURE THRESHOLD, VOLUNTARY CONTRACTILE PROPERTIES OR JUMP PERFORMANCE.

BACKGROUND: Roller massagers are popular devices that are used to improve range of motion (ROM), enhance recovery from muscle soreness, and reduce pain under acute conditions. However, the effects of roller massage training and training frequency are unknown. PURPOSE: The objective was to compare two different roller massage training frequencies on muscle performance. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled intervention study. METHODS: Twenty-three recreationally active university students were randomly allocated to three groups: control (n=8;), rolling three (3/W; n=8;) and six (6/W; n=7) times per week for four weeks. The roller massage training consisted of unilateral, dominant limb, quadriceps and hamstrings rolling (4 sets x 30 seconds). Both legs of participants were tested pre- and post-training for active and passive hamstrings and quadriceps range of motion (ROM), electromyography (EMG) activity during a lunge movement, unilateral countermovement jumps (CMJ), as well as quadriceps and hamstrings maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) forces and electromechanical delay. Finally, they were tested for pain pressure threshold at middle and distal segments of their quadriceps and hamstrings. RESULTS: There were no significant training interactions for any measure with the exception that 3/W group exhibited 6.2% (p=0.03; Effect Size: 0.31) higher CMJ height from pre- (38.6 ± 7.1 cm) to post-testing (40.9 ± 8.1 cm) for the non-dominant limb. CONCLUSIONS: Whereas the literature has demonstrated acute responses to roller massage, the results of the present study demonstrate no consistent significant training-induced changes. The absence of change may highlight a lack of muscle and myofascial morphological or semi-permanent neurophysiological changes with rolling. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: 2c.

Higher Quadriceps Roller Massage Forces Do Not Amplify Range-of-Motion Increases nor Impair Strength and Jump Performance.

Grabow, L, Young, JD, Alcock, LR, Quigley, PJ, Byrne, JM, Granacher, U, Skarabot, J, and Behm, DG. Higher quadriceps roller massage forces do not amplify range-of-motion increases nor impair strength and jump performance. J Strength Cond Res 32(11): 3059-3069, 2018-Roller massage (RM) has been reported to increase range of motion (ROM) without subsequent performance decrements. However, the effects of different rolling forces have not been examined. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of sham (RMsham), moderate (RMmod), and high (RMhigh) RM forces, calculated relative to the individuals' pain perception, on ROM, strength, and jump parameters. Sixteen healthy individuals (27 ± 4 years) participated in this study. The intervention involved three 60-second quadriceps RM bouts with RMlow (3.9/10 ± 0.64 rating of perceived pain [RPP]), RMmod (6.2/10 ± 0.64 RPP), and RMhigh (8.2/10 ± 0.44 RPP) pain conditions, respectively. A within-subject design was used to assess dependent variables (active and passive knee flexion ROM, single-leg drop jump [DJ] height, DJ contact time, DJ performance index, maximum voluntary isometric contraction [MVIC] force, and force produced in the first 200 milliseconds [F200] of the knee extensors and flexors). A 2-way repeated measures analysis of variance showed a main effect of testing time in active (p < 0.001, d = 2.54) and passive (p < 0.001, d = 3.22) ROM. Independent of the RM forces, active and passive ROM increased by 7.0% (p = 0.03, d = 2.25) and 15.4% (p < 0.001, d = 3.73) from premeasure to postmeasure, respectively. Drop jump and MVIC parameters were unaffected from pretest to posttest (p > 0.05, d = 0.33-0.84). Roller massage can be efficiently used to increase ROM without substantial pain and without subsequent performance impairments.

NO EFFECT OF KINESIOLOGY TAPE ON PASSIVE TENSION, STRENGTH OR QUADRICEPS MUSCLE ACTIVATION OF DURING MAXIMAL VOLUNTARY ISOMETRIC CONTRACTIONS IN RESISTANCE TRAINED MEN.

BACKGROUND: Kinesiology Tape (KT) is widely used in sports rehabilitation and by those performing physical activity, however, there is no consensus in the scientific literature about its effectiveness on performance, strength or muscle activation.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to measure the acute effects of KT in static rest, and during knee extension maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) performance in resistance trained men.Study Design: Observational, descriptive, comparative. METHODS: Eighteen young, healthy, trained males (age: 25 ± 6 years, height: 176.0 ± 5 cm, and mass: 81.8 ± 8.0 kg) volunteered to participate. Initially, they were in a relaxed sitting position of 90 degrees knee flexion with their limb supported by the machine lever arm to measure passive tension of the tissues of the knee joint. Then, they performed three MVIC trials of five seconds each with a three-minute rest between trials, in four randomized experimental conditions, with 10-min rest between conditions: (a) control, no taping; (b) Knee Sleeve; (c) KT; and (d) sham. During all MVICs, peak force, impulse, and muscle activation of the vastus lateralis (integrated electromyography [IEMG] and median frequency) were measured. RESULTS: Repeated measures ANOVAs revealed no statistical differences between conditions for passive tension (p > 0.05), peak force (p > 0.05), impulse (p > 0.05), IEMG (p > 0.05), or median frequency (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: KT does not influence passive tension during static position at 90 degrees of knee flexion. KT does not affect quadriceps activation or force production during a maximal voluntary isometric contraction in the same position. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3a.

Roller massage decreases spinal excitability to the soleus.

Roller massage (RM) interventions have shown acute increases in range of motion (ROM) and pain pressure threshold (PPT). It is unclear whether the RM-induced increases can be attributed to changes in neural or muscle responses. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of altered afferent input via application of RM on spinal excitability, as measured with the Hoffmann (H-) reflex. A randomized within-subjects design was used. Three 30-s bouts of RM were implemented on a rested, nonexercised, injury-free muscle with 30 s of rest between bouts. The researcher applied RM to the plantar flexors at three intensities of pain: high, moderate, and sham. Measures included normalized M-wave and H-reflex peak-to-peak amplitudes before, during, and up to 3 min postintervention. M-wave and H-reflex measures were highly reliable. RM resulted in significant decreases in soleus H-reflex amplitudes. High-intensity, moderate-intensity, and sham conditions decreased soleus H-reflex amplitudes by 58%, 43%, and 19%, respectively. H-reflexes induced with high-intensity rolling discomfort or pain were significantly lower than moderate and sham conditions. The effects were transient in nature, with an immediate return to baseline following RM. This is the first evidence of RM-induced modulation of spinal excitability. The intensity-dependent response observed indicates that rolling pressure or pain perception may play a role in modulation of the inhibition. Roller massage-induced neural modulation of spinal excitability may explain previously reported increases in ROM and PPT. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Recent evidence indicates that the benefits of foam rolling and roller massage are primarily accrued through neural mechanisms. The present study attempts to determine the neuromuscular response to roller massage interventions. We provide strong evidence of roller massage-induced neural modulation of spinal excitability to the soleus. It is plausible that reflex inhibition may explain subsequent increases in pain pressure threshold.

The effect of rolling massage on the excitability of the corticospinal pathway.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the alterations of corticospinal excitability (motor evoked potential, MEP) and inhibition (silent period, SP) following rolling massage of the quadriceps muscles. Transcranial magnetic and femoral nerve electrical stimuli were used to elicit MEPs and compound muscle action potential (Mmax) in the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis muscles prior to and following either (i) 4 sets of 90-s rolling massage (ROLLING) or (ii) rest (CONTROL). One series of neuromuscular evaluations, performed after each set of ROLLING or CONTROL, included 3 MEPs and 1 Mmax elicited every 4 s during 15-s submaximal contractions at 10% (experiment 1, n = 16) and 50% (experiment 2, n = 10) of maximal voluntary knee extensions (MVC). The MEP/Mmax ratio and electromyographic activity recorded from vastus lateralis at 10% MVC demonstrated significantly lower values during ROLLING than CONTROL (P < 0.05). The ROLLING did not elicit any significant changes in muscle excitability (Mmax area) and duration of transcranial magnetic stimulation-induced SP recorded from any muscle or level of contraction (P > 0.05). The findings suggest that rolling massage can modulate the central excitability of the circuitries innervating the knee extensors; however, the observed effects are dependent on the background contraction intensity during which the neuromuscular measurements are recorded.

An acute session of roller massage prolongs voluntary torque development and diminishes evoked pain.

INTRODUCTION: Roller massage (RM) has been reported to reduce pain associated with exercise-induced muscle soreness and increase range of motion without force or activation impairments. The objective was to examine RM effects on evoked pain and contractile properties. METHODS: Twelve men received three sets of 30-s RM at a perceived discomfort level of 7/10 on a visual analogue scale on the ipsilateral (IPSI-R) stimulated plantar flexors (PF), contralateral PF (CONTRA-R), Sham (light rolling on stimulated PF), or Control. At pre-test, post-test, and 5-min post-test, they received evoked maximal twitch, tetanus, and 70% maximal tetanic stimulation, and performed a maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). Data analysis included perceived pain and contractile properties. RESULTS: The 70% tetanus illustrated significant 9-10% increases in pain perception with Sham and Control at post- and 5-min post-test, respectively (p < 0.01). There was no pain augmentation with IPSI-R and CONTRA-R. There were no main effects or interactions for most contractile properties. However, MVIC force developed in the first 200 ms showed 9.5% (p = 0.1) and 19.1% (p = 0.03) decreases with IPSI-R at post-test and 5-min post-test. CONCLUSION: Data suggest that RM-induced neural inhibition decreased MVIC F200 and nullified the testing-induced increase in evoked pain associated with 70% tetanic stimulation.

Kinesiology Tape or Compression Sleeve Applied to the Thigh Does Not Improve Balance or Muscle Activation Before or Following Fatigue.

Cavanaugh, MT, Quigley, PJ, Hodgson, DD, Reid, JC, and Behm, DG. Kinesiology tape or compression sleeve applied to the thigh does not improve balance or muscle activation before or following fatigue. J Strength Cond Res 30(7): 1992-2000, 2016-Compression sleeves (CS) and kinesiology tape (KT) are purported to enhance proprioception, however, there is substantial conflict in the literature. Because the beneficial effects of CS and KT are more evident in the literature with recovery, the objective of this study was to examine the effects of CS and KT on balance under acute nonfatigued and postfatigued conditions. Using a within-subject, repeated-measures design, 12 university participants (5 females and 7 males) performed in a random order CS, KT, and Control conditions. Two trials of each test were conducted before the application of CS or KT (pretest 1), immediately after the application (pretest 2), with posttests at 1 and 10 minutes after 4 sets of unilateral Bulgarian squats to failure (1 minute rest between sets). Tests included a Y balance test (measures: distance reached by nondominant foot in anterior, posterior lateral, and posterior medial directions) and drop jump landing balance test from a 50-cm platform (measures: ground reaction force, electromyography, and center of pressure). The fatigue protocol induced 25.3% decrease in unilateral squat repetitions from set 1 to set 4. There were no significant condition main effects or interactions for any balance measure or EMG before or after fatigue. In conclusion, independent of fatigue, there was no significant effect of CS or KT on balance outcomes immediately and up to 10 minutes following the fatiguing intervention. Thus, nonfatigued or muscles weakened by fatigue did not benefit from CS and KT application.

Breathing Techniques Affect Female but Not Male Hip Flexion Range of Motion.

Two protocols were undertaken to help clarify the effects of breathing techniques on hamstrings (hip flexion) range of motion (ROM). The protocols examined effects of breathing conditions on ROM and trunk muscle activity. Protocol 1: Thirty recreationally active participants (15 male, 15 female, 20-25 years) were monitored for changes in single-leg raise (SLR) ROM with 7 breathing conditions before or during a passive supine SLR stretch. Breathing conditions included prestretch inhale, prestretch exhale, inhale-during stretch, exhale-during stretch, neutral, hyperventilation, and hypoventilation before stretch. Protocol 2: Eighteen recreationally active participants (9 male, 9 female, 20-25 years) were monitored for electromyographic (EMG) activity of the rectus abdominus, external obliques, lower abdominal stabilizers, and lower erector spinae while performing the 7 breathing conditions before or during a passive SLR stretch. Control exhibited less ROM (p = 0.008) than the prestretch inhale (7.7%), inhale-during stretch (10.9%), and hypoventilation (11.2%) conditions with females. Protocol 3: Greater overall muscle activity in the prestretch exhale condition was found compared with inhale-during stretch (43.1%↓; p = 0.029) and hypoventilation (51.2%↓; p = 0.049) conditions. As the inhale-during stretch and hypoventilation conditions produced the lowest levels of muscle activity for both sexes and the highest ROM for the females, it can be assumed that both mechanical and neural factors affect female SLR ROM. Lesser male ROM might be attributed to anatomical differences such as greater joint stiffness. The breathing techniques may have affected intra-abdominal pressure, trunk muscle cocontractions, and sympathetic neural activity to enhance female ROM.

Roller-massager application to the quadriceps and knee-joint range of motion and neuromuscular efficiency during a lunge.

CONTEXT: Roller massagers are used as a recovery and rehabilitative tool to initiate muscle relaxation and improve range of motion (ROM) and muscular performance. However, research demonstrating such effects is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of applying a roller massager for 20 and 60 seconds on knee-joint ROM and dynamic muscular performance. DESIGN: Randomized controlled clinical trial. SETTING: University laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Ten recreationally active men (age = 26.6 ± 5.2 years, height = 175.3 ± 4.3 cm, mass = 84.4 ± 8.8 kg). INTERVENTION(S): Participants performed 3 randomized experimental conditions separated by 24 to 48 hours. In condition 1 (5 repetitions of 20 seconds) and condition 2 (5 repetitions of 60 seconds), they applied a roller massager to the quadriceps muscles. Condition 3 served as a control condition in which participants sat quietly. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Visual analog pain scale, electromyography (EMG) of the vastus lateralis (VL) and biceps femoris during roller massage and lunge, and knee-joint ROM. RESULTS: We found no differences in pain between the 20-second and 60-second roller-massager conditions. During 60 seconds of roller massage, pain was 13.5% (5.7 ± 0.70) and 20.6% (6.2 ± 0.70) greater at 40 seconds and 60 seconds, respectively, than at 20 seconds (P < .05). During roller massage, VL and biceps femoris root mean square (RMS) EMG was 8% and 7%, respectively, of RMS EMG recorded during maximal voluntary isometric contraction. Knee-joint ROM was 10% and 16% greater in the 20-second and 60-second roller-massager conditions, respectively, than the control condition (P < .05). Finally, average lunge VL RMS EMG decreased as roller-massage time increased (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Roller massage was painful and induced muscle activity, but it increased knee-joint ROM and neuromuscular efficiency during a lunge.

Roller-massager application to the hamstrings increases sit-and-reach range of motion within five to ten seconds without performance impairments.

BACKGROUND: Foam rollers are used to mimic myofascial release techniques and have been used by therapists, athletes, and the general public alike to increase range of motion (ROM) and alleviate pressure points. The roller-massager was designed to serve a similar purpose but is a more portable device that uses the upper body rather than body mass to provide the rolling force. OBJECTIVES/PURPOSE: A roller massager was used in this study to examine the acute effects on lower extremity ROM and subsequent muscle length performance. METHODS: Seven male and ten female volunteers took part in 4 trials of hamstrings roller-massager rolling (1 set - 5 seconds, 1 set - 10 seconds, 2 sets - 5 seconds, and 2 sets - 10 seconds) at a constant pressure (13 kgs) and a constant rate (120 bpm). A group of 9 participants (three male, six female) also performed a control testing session with no rolling intervention. A sit and reach test for ROM, along with a maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) force and muscle activation of the hamstrings were measured before and after each session of rolling. RESULTS: A main effect for testing time (p<0.0001) illustrated that the use of the roller-massager resulted in a 4.3% increase in ROM. There was a trend (p=0.069) for 10s of rolling duration to increase ROM more than 5s rolling duration. There were no significant changes in MVC force or MVC EMG activity after the rolling intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the roller-massager had no significant effect on muscle strength, and can provide statistically significant increases in ROM, particularly when used for a longer duration.