Roller Massage: Comparing the Immediate Post‐Treatment Effects Between an Instructional Video and a Self‐Preferred Program Using Two Different Density‐Type Roller Balls

Abstract

The aims of this study were to (1) compare the immediate post-treatment effects of an instructional video versus a self-preferred program on the hip range of motion and a pressure pain threshold using two different density roller balls, and (2) compare the effects of the two roller balls on those variables. Forty adults were randomly allocated into four groups: (1) MB1-video, (2) MB1-self-preferred, (3) MBX-video, and (4) MBX-self-preferred. Participants followed a video or a self-preferred program using either a moderate (MB1) or a hard (MBX) density ball. Main outcomes were passive hip internal rotation, external rotation, and a pressure pain threshold. For MB1, the video produced greater outcomes than the self-program for external rotation (10◦ versus 2◦), internal rotation (7◦ versus 2◦), and the pain threshold (210 kPa versus 44 kPa). For MBX, the video produced greater outcomes than the self-program for external rotation (8◦ versus 1◦), internal rotation (5◦ versus 1◦), and the pain threshold (184 kPa versus 30 kPa). When comparing roller balls, the MB1 produced greater outcomes than the MBX for external rotation (10◦ versus 8◦), internal rotation (7◦ versus 5◦), and the pain threshold (210 kPa versus 184 kPa) with the video. For the self-preferred program, the MB1 produced greater outcomes for external rotation (2◦ versus 1◦), internal rotation (2◦ versus 1◦), and the pain threshold (44 kPa versus 30 kPa). The instructional video and a moderate density ball produced greater immediate post-treatment outcomes than the self-program and a hard density ball. Professionals should consider using the video to teach technique and match clients to a specific density-type roller ball.

Comparison of acute and prolonged effects of short-term foam rolling and vibration foam rolling on the properties of knee extensors

“…The significant increases in knee flexion ROM were 2.14 ± 0.01°from PRE to POST, 1.56 ± 0.20° from PRE to 5 minutes, and 0.88 ± 0.21 from PRE to 10 minutes, respectively, after 30-sec FR interventions in this study. These increases in ROM were consistent with several previous studies that report moderate to large magnitude effect size [ 27 – 29 ] FR-induced knee flexion improvements immediately post-intervention ranging from 1.4–8.0° [ 29 – 32 ]. Only two FR studies have not reported an immediate significant knee flexion ROM increase with either 2 minutes of FR [ 33 ] or a combination of jogging and FR for 8 minutes [ 8 ].…”

Immediate Effects of Foam Roller and Stretching to the Lead Hip on Golfers Swing: A Randomized Crossover Trial

“…Physiological mechanisms underlying FR include an increase in soft tissue blood flow as well as a decrease in tissue hardness and muscle viscoelasticity [18][19][20]. These effects are considered to be useful in increasing joint ROM, improving performance, and reducing delayed onset muscle soreness [21][22][23][24]. Therefore, FR is increasingly being used by athletes when warming up, cooling down, and rehabilitating.…”