Chronic Effects of Foam Rolling on Flexibility and Performance: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Jeffrey Cayaban Pagaduan, Sheng-Yuan Chang and Nai-Jen Chang
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Jeffrey Cayaban Pagaduan: Institute of Active Lifestyle, Palacký University, Olomouc 77200, Czech Republic
Sheng-Yuan Chang: Department of Industrial Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
Nai-Jen Chang: Department of Sports Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 7, 1-11

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to review the existing literature on chronic effects of foam rolling (FR) on flexibility and performance. Electronic databases were searched during January 2022 for topics related to FR. Included studies met the following criteria: (a) peer-reviewed articles written in English; (b) FR intervention of at least four weeks; (c) non-motorized FR device during intervention; (d) randomized controlled trial with existence of a control group; and (e) any lower body parameter related to flexibility, recovery, and performance. Nine studies met that criteria. Results revealed that chronic FR demonstrated conflicting results for improvement of flexibility. On the other hand, a majority of the articles in this review showed no beneficial effects of FR on performance. Lastly, the effect of FR on recovery is unclear. These findings suggest the need for further studies to establish the consensus about the long-term application of FR in flexibility, recovery, and performance.

Keywords: self myofascial release; foam rolling; range of motion; athletic performance; exercise (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 (1)

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