Roller-massager application to the hamstrings increases sit-and-reach range of motion within five to ten seconds without performance impairments - PubMed (original) (raw)

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

Kathleen M Sullivan et al. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2013 Jun.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Flexibility; hamstrings; performance; roller‐massager; self myofascial release; stretching.

PubMed Disclaimer

Figures

Figure 1.

Figure 1.

The roller‐massager used in the apparatus used for this research (Theraband®, The Hygenic Corporation, Akron, OH).

Figure 2.

Figure 2.

The custom‐made device used in the research for rolling the hamstrings with steady force and speed.

Figure 3.

Figure 3.

Hamstring ROM after A) 1 and 2 sets of 5 seconds and B) 1 and 2 sets of 10 seconds of roller massager application. * Represents statistical significance of p < 0.001 for all post‐test ROM versus pre‐test conditions.

Figure 4.

Figure 4.

Scatter plot of Δ ROM in Sit and Reach Test (cm) from pre‐ to post‐roller massager application for male and female participants in A) experimental and B) Control group.

Similar articles

Cited by

References

    1. Behm DG.Chaouachi A. A review of the acute effects of static and dynamic stretching on performance. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2011;111(11): 2633–2651 doi: 10.1007/s00421‐011‐1879‐2. - PubMed
    1. Barnes M.F. The basic science of myofascial release: Morphologic change in connective tissue. J BodywMov Ther. 2007;1(4): 231–238 doi: 10.1016/S1360‐8592(97)80051‐4.
    1. MacDonald G., Penney M., Mullaley M., Cuconato A., Drake C., Behm D.G.Button D.C. An acute bout of self myofascial release increases range of motion without a subsequent decrease in neuromuscular performance. J of Strength Cond Res. 2012. (published ahead of print). - PubMed
    1. Drake M., Bittenbender C., Boyles R.E. The Short‐Term Effects of Treating Plantar Fasciitis With a Temporary Custom Foot Orthosis and Stretching. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2011;41(4):221–231 doi: 10.2519/jospt.2011.3348. - PubMed
    1. Sefton J. Myofascial release for athletic trainers, part 1: theory and session guidelines. Athletic Therapy Today. 2004;9(1): 48–49

LinkOut - more resources