The effect comparison of foam rolling and dynamic stretching on performance in motion tests by young volleyball players: a pilot study

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the pilot study was an effect comparison of stretching between foam rolling and dynamic stretching on performance in motion tests by young volleyball players. Methods: 1. Experimental sample – ESFR (n=8, age = 13.4±0.5 years, height = 173.8±7.7 cm, weight = 59.8±7.1 kg) absolved 6 measurements of indicators of stretching with foam rolling during 6 weeks. 2. Experimental sample – ESDS (n=8, age = 13.4±0.5 years, height = 174.5±9.5 cm, weight = 59.4±11.0 kg) absolved dynamic stretching. We had determined the stretching effect between ESFR and ESDS by comparison of performance in tests: spike jump (SS), block jump (BS) E-test (ET), run to cones (RC), throw with 1 kg ball (H2), sit and reach test (SR) and sit-ups (SU). Results: The most important determination was that better level of stretching presented in performance and it was determined in RC in two examples with medium effect and in three examples with large effect in behalf of ESFR. By contrast, one example from ESDS in parameter PS had better level of stretching with medium effect and one example with medium effect in H2. In other parameters (BS, SS, SU and ET) were the differences only small or none between ESFR and ESDS. Conclusion: The results of the pilot study indicate that using of foam rolling and dynamic stretching can have different influence on the level of stretching and preparation of young volleyball players. These results must be verified on larger experimental sample.