The Effect of Myofascial Release Technique Applied with Foam Roller on Jumping, Flexibility and Short Distance Swimming Performance in Swimmers

Abstract

Myofascial release techniques, particularly when applied using foam rollers, have gained prominence in sports science due to their potential benefits in enhancing athletic performance. This study delves into the impact of this technique on swimmers, a group where flexibility, jump capacity, and short-distance speed are paramount.The research engaged 12 male swimmers, all of whom had been active in the sport for a minimum of three years. Their average age stood at 19.58±.66 years, with an average height of 176.83±8.49 cm and body weight of 75.43±6.62 kg. Following a 5-minute low-intensity warm-up run, participants underwent 10 minutes of dynamic stretching exercises targeting major muscle groups involved in swimming. This was followed by a self-myofascial release (SMR) protocol using foam rollers, focusing on muscle areas most prone to tension and strain in swimmers. These protocols were applied consecutively at 48-hour intervals and at consistent times of the day to ensure uniformity.Post-protocol assessments revealed varying impacts on performance metrics. While the countermovement jump measurements remained statistically unchanged (p0.05), significant improvements were observed in the 15 m swimming (t: 2,307, p: ,041), squat jump (t:,-2,541, p:,027), and flexibility (t:-2,491, p:,030) tests (p0.05).These findings underscore the potential of integrating myofascial release techniques with foam rollers into swimmers' training regimens. Not only does this approach enhance specific performance parameters like squat jump and flexibility, but it also offers broader implications for the athletic community, emphasizing the importance of muscle relaxation and flexibility in achieving peak performance. Future research could delve deeper into the long-term impacts of such techniques and explore their efficacy across different athletic disciplines.Keywords: Flexibility, Foam roller, Jumping, Myofascial Release, Swimming