A Comparison of Four Foam Roller Treatment Protocols on Hamstring Flexibility
Advisor Information
Kris Berg
Location
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
6-3-2015 2:00 PM
End Date
6-3-2015 3:30 PM
Abstract
The hamstring muscle group is commonly tight in the general population for a multitude of reasons including prolonged sitting, overuse or injury. A therapeutic tool known as a foam roller is used by allied health professionals to decrease hamstring muscle tightness. However, current research does not specify the most beneficial technique, duration of treatment, or type of foam roller to be used to achieve the greatest increases in muscle flexibility. Therefore, this factorial design study compared two types of foam rollers (PVC and RumbleRoller) and two different treatment durations (30 and 90 seconds) on hamstring flexibility in twelve participants with limited hamstring flexibility. After an instructional session with each participant, a total of five experimental protocols were performed in a randomized order:1) 30 second PVC, 2) 90 second PVC, 3) 30 second RumbleRoller, 4) 90 second RumbleRoller, and 5) Control (no protocol). Protocols were separated by at least 72 hours to decrease possible crossover effect. Pre- and postexperimental protocol flexibility measurements were taken by a blinded investigator to assess the effect of the foam rollers and treatment durations. Additionally, a visual analog scale was used to assess the level of discomfort perceived by the subject during each protocol. Data will be analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA with post- hoc testing of significant results. This study will aid allied health professionals in the selection and prescription of modalities to increase hamstring flexibility, which may aid in the prevention of injury and enhancement of athletic performance.
A Comparison of Four Foam Roller Treatment Protocols on Hamstring Flexibility
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
The hamstring muscle group is commonly tight in the general population for a multitude of reasons including prolonged sitting, overuse or injury. A therapeutic tool known as a foam roller is used by allied health professionals to decrease hamstring muscle tightness. However, current research does not specify the most beneficial technique, duration of treatment, or type of foam roller to be used to achieve the greatest increases in muscle flexibility. Therefore, this factorial design study compared two types of foam rollers (PVC and RumbleRoller) and two different treatment durations (30 and 90 seconds) on hamstring flexibility in twelve participants with limited hamstring flexibility. After an instructional session with each participant, a total of five experimental protocols were performed in a randomized order:1) 30 second PVC, 2) 90 second PVC, 3) 30 second RumbleRoller, 4) 90 second RumbleRoller, and 5) Control (no protocol). Protocols were separated by at least 72 hours to decrease possible crossover effect. Pre- and postexperimental protocol flexibility measurements were taken by a blinded investigator to assess the effect of the foam rollers and treatment durations. Additionally, a visual analog scale was used to assess the level of discomfort perceived by the subject during each protocol. Data will be analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA with post- hoc testing of significant results. This study will aid allied health professionals in the selection and prescription of modalities to increase hamstring flexibility, which may aid in the prevention of injury and enhancement of athletic performance.
Additional Information (Optional)
Winner of Honorable Mention Graduate Poster Presentation