Effect of myofascial release on lower limb range of motion, sit and reach and horizontal jump distance in male university students

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the effects of Myofascial release (MR) on lower limb ROM, sit and reach and horizontal jump distance in male university students.

Study design: Quasi-experimental study.

Background: MR is a technique that aims to stretch fascia to increase range of motion (ROM), relieve pressure points and improve performance. However, there is limited evidence of its actual effects on flexibility and physical performance.

Methods: Twenty-one uninjured, male university students received MR (11 on the first session and the other 10 on the second session 24 h later), completed lower limb ROM assessments, the sit and reach and the horizontal jump tests in a randomized order. MR was performed before the tests with a myofascial stick in the anterior and posterior aspects of the right and left thigh and calf muscles. Each muscle group was massaged for 90 s, totaling 9 min of MR. The testing conditions with MR and without MR were compared using Student t-tests and the effect sizes (ES) were calculated.

Results: There were no significant differences between the testing conditions on horizontal jump distance. However, the sit and reach distance (28 ± 9 vs. 32 ± 9 cm, p = 0.001; ES = 0.44), left hip extension (10 ± 2 vs. 8 ± 2°, p = 0.006; ES = 1.00) and left plantar flexion (36 ± 7 vs. 39 ± 7°, p = 0.044; ES = 0.43) were higher with MR.

Conclusions: MR increased sit and reach distance, left hip extension and plantar flexion, but it did not affect horizontal jump distance in uninjured, male university students.

Keywords: Flexibility; Foam rolling; Hamstrings; Performance; Roller-massager; Self myofascial release.