Foam Rolling Acute Effects on Myofascial Tissue Stiffness and Muscle Strength

Foam rolling (FR) is a popular technique used in physical training and rehabilitation to release muscle tension and improve mobility. However, its effects on myofascial tissue stiffness and muscle strength have remained unclear. To better understand these effects, researchers conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis of trials that tested the acute effects of FR during warm-up on healthy adults or athletes.

The study was performed according to Cochrane’s recommendations and included searches of multiple databases for relevant studies. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the PEDro scale, and the certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluations approach.

The review included 20 studies that assessed fascial tissue stiffness in the trunk and thigh, as well as muscle stiffness in the thigh and calf. Muscle strength was assessed in the knee extensors and flexors, as well as the plantar flexors. Qualitative analysis showed decreases in fascial and muscle stiffness after FR in some studies, but the meta-analysis showed no significant effects of FR on myofascial tissue stiffness. There were also no significant effects of FR on isometric muscle strength, eccentric torque, and rate of force development, except for an increase in knee extensor concentric torque.

While the evidence from these studies provides low certainty that FR does not change myofascial tissue stiffness and muscle strength, it suggests that FR may have a positive effect on knee extensor concentric torque. However, the researchers suggest that high-quality studies should be conducted to further understand the effects of FR on these parameters.

Overall, while FR is a popular technique used in physical training and rehabilitation, more research is needed to fully understand its effects on the body. The current evidence suggests that FR may have some positive effects on muscle strength, but further studies are needed to confirm this and to better understand the effects on myofascial tissue stiffness.