Active versus passive foam rolling on range of motion, tissue property, and neural adaptation in healthy young adults: A randomised controlled trial

Introduction

Self-massage using a foam roller (foam rolling) is effective for increasing range of motion (ROM). However, the independent effects of pressure stimulation and voluntary movement during foam rolling remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of pressure stimulation and voluntary movement during the foam rolling intervention on ROM and its related parameters from the aspects of tissue mechanical properties and the central nervous system.

Methods

This study set a randomised open-label controlled parallel group design involving active foam rolling with pressure stimulation and voluntary movement (A-FR), passive foam rolling with only pressure stimulation (P-FR), and sham rolling with only voluntary movement (SHAM) of the calf muscle. Twenty-seven healthy active adults (males: 16, females: 11) were analysed. Parameters of tissue mechanical properties (as measured by tissue stiffness and thickness) and systemic nervous adaptation (as measured by PPT, stretch tolerance, HRV, and mood states), as well as maximal ankle active/passive dorsiflexion ROM, were measured.

Results

A-FR significantly improved pressure pain threshold, stretch tolerance, and negative mood and increased active and passive ROM. P-FR significantly improved parasympathetic nervous activity and negative mood and increased passive ROM. However, SHAM did not affect any ROM or parameters of tissue mechanical properties and systemic neural adaptation except for some negative mood improvement.

Conclusion

Voluntary movement does not independently affect ROM, whereas pressure simulation independently enhances ROM during the foam rolling intervention. Combining pressure stimulation and voluntary movement can enhance the ROM effect and influence parameters of tissue mechanical properties and the central nervous system.