Foam Rolling and Tissue Flossing of the Cuff Muscles

Foam Rolling and Tissue Flossing of the Cuff Muscles: Acute Effect on Jump Height, Sprint Performance and Achilles Tendon Stiffness

The hypothesis is that self-myofascial release (SMR) intervention on the cuff muscles would affect positively sprint performance and jump height, as well as, decrease Achilles tendon stiffness. The second hypothesis is that tissue flossing would be more effective than foam rolling.

The participants will be randomly assigned to foam rolling, tissue flossing, and control group (without any intervention). After the intervention, repeated measures will be performed (15m sprint, countermovement jump (CMJ) and Achilles tendon stiffness). This will aim to improve sprint time, jump height and decrease tendon stiffness.

Foam rolling provides beneficial results in ankle range of motion, muscle flexibility or muscle sourness. Tissue flossing is popular in athletic training and physical therapy, as an effective strategy for ankle range of motion or performance. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the use of foam rolling and tissue flossing during a 60 minutes post-intervention examination on the performance and soft tissue stiffness.

The main aim of this study is to investigate the effect of foam rolling and tissue flossing of the cuff on sprint performance, jump height and Achilles tendon stiffness at different time points. The second aim is to assess the effectiveness of those self-myofascial release methods (SMR).

This study will include healthy, recreational active subjects aged between 20 and 25 years old.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Regular physical exercise activity (~3 times per week).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Experience with the application of foam rolling and tissue flossing.
• Current or prior pain or injury in the lower extremity.
• Previous history of surgery in the lower extremity.
• Cardiovascular disabilities.