The Influence of Self-Myofascial Release on Muscle Flexibility in Long-Distance Runners

Iwona Sulowska-Daszyk and Agnieszka Skiba
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Iwona Sulowska-Daszyk: Institute of Clinical Rehabilitation, University of Physical Education in Krakow, 31-571 Krakow, Poland
Agnieszka Skiba: Institute of Clinical Rehabilitation, University of Physical Education in Krakow, 31-571 Krakow, Poland

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: During long-distance running, athletes are exposed to repetitive loads. Myofascial structures are liable to long-term work, which may cause cumulating tension within them. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute effect of self-myofascial release on muscle flexibility in long-distance runners. The study comprised 62 long-distance, recreationally running participants between the age of 20 and 45 years. The runners were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 ( n = 32), in which subjects applied the self-myofascial release technique between baseline and the second measurement of muscle flexibility, and Group 2 ( n = 30), without any intervention. The self-myofascial release technique was performed according to standardized foam rolling. Assessment of muscle flexibility was conducted according to Chaitow’s proposal. After application of the self-myofascial release technique, higher values were noted for the measurements of the following muscles: piriformis, tensor fasciae latae muscles and adductor muscles. Within the iliopsoas and rectus femoris muscles, lower values were observed in the second measurement. These changes were statistically significant ( p < 0.05) within the majority of muscles. All these outcomes indicate improvement related to larger muscle flexibility and also, an increase in range of motion. In the control group (Group 2), significant improvement was observed only in measurements for the iliopsoas muscles. The single application of self-myofascial release techniques with foam rollers may significantly improve muscle flexibility in long-distance runners. Based on these results, the authors recommend the self-myofascial release technique with foam rollers be incorporated in the daily training routine of long-distance runners, as well as athletes of other sport disciplines.

Keywords: self-myofascial release; foam rolling; muscle flexibility; foam roller (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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