Context: Foam rolling (FR) increases joint range of motion (RoM), but the optimal training parameters are unknown.
Objective: To investigate the effect of FR velocity on RoM and tissue stiffness.
Design: Randomized, controlled crossover trial.
Setting: University.
Participants: A total of 17 healthy, physically active adults (10 females; 25 [2] y).
Interventions: (1) Four 45-second high-velocity FR of the anterior thigh (FAST-FR), (2) four 45-second slow-velocity FR of the anterior thigh (SLOW-FR), and (3) inactive control.
Outcome measures: Maximal knee-flexion RoM (ultrasonic movement analysis) and anterior thigh tissue stiffness (semielectronic tissue compliance meter) assessed pre, immediately post (T0), as well as 5 (T5) and 10 (T10) minutes postintervention. Statistical analysis included Friedman tests with adjusted post hoc comparisons (Wilcoxon tests).
Results: According to omnibus testing, RoM remained unchanged in all 3 conditions and at all time points (P > .05), while differences were found for tissue stiffness (P < .05). Post hoc tests revealed significant decreases following FAST-FR (T5: -17%, T10: -24%; P < .05) and SLOW-FR (T10: -15%; P < .05). The observed stiffness changes were significant in comparison with control (P < .01), but no difference was found between the 2 FR conditions (P > .05).
Conclusions: FR of the anterior thigh decreases myofascial stiffness regardless of velocity. The lack of effects on RoM contrasts findings of recent literature and warrants further investigation.
Keywords: knee flexibility; mechanical properties; self-myofascial release; treatment speed.