Does the density of a foam roller affect its therapeutic outcome?

Foam rolling or roller massage is quite a popular tool used in massage and the fitness industry. Research suggests that foam rolling may be used as a warm-up without negatively effecting performance and may enhance joint mobility. Foam rolling may reduce post exercise decrements in muscle performance, increase posttreatment pressure pain thresholds (PPT), and reduce the effects of delayed onset muscle soreness in healthy individuals. Studies have also documented positive post-exercise effects of rolling for different sports, occupations, and fibromyalgia.

Foam rollers are available at different densities and up to current, no study examined the therapeutic effects of different density type rollers. Understanding the different densities may help clinicians to prescribe a particular foam roller that is safe for the client.

A study led by Scott Cheatem compared the immediate effects of three different density type foam rollers on prone passive knee flexion range of motion (ROM) and pressure pain thresholds (PPT) of the quadriceps musculature. The study was published in the July 2018 issue of International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy.

Thirty-six recreationally active adults were randomly allocated to one of three groups: soft density, medium density, and hard density foam roller. The intervention lasted a total of two minutes. Outcome measures included prone passive knee flexion ROM and PPT.

Results showed that no statistically significant differences were found for knee ROM and PPT between the three rollers.

The authors concluded that all three roller densities produced similar post-intervention effects on knee ROM and PPT. These observed changes may be due to a local mechanical and global neurophysiological response from the pressure applied by the roller. The client’s pain perception may have an influence on treatment and preference for a specific foam roller. Thus, clinicians may want to consider such factors when prescribing foam rolling as an intervention.