The Immediate Effect of 90 sec. Duration Plantar Myofascial Release on Static and Dynamic Balance and Injury Risk in Female Volleyball Players

Background. Self-administered plantar myofascial release with a tennis ball is a widely used technique to increase flexibility and range of motion, but it is unclear how effective this technique is on static and dynamic balance and injury risk in volleyball players. The aim of the study is to determine the immediate effect of short-term (90 s duration) plantar myofascial release on the static and dynamic balance and injury risk of females playing volleyball. Methods. The study involved 26 female volleyball players who were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Subjects in the control group (n=13) received no intervention and were retested for 180 s. since initial testing. The participants of the study group received self-administered plantar myofascial release of 90 s duration with tennis ball for one leg and 90 s duration on the other leg (all together duration 180 s). A modified star excursion (Y test) test was used to assess dynamic balance. Static balance was assessed by the Flamingo test. Results. Myofascial release improved (p<0.05) the result of dynamic balance in only one direction – anterior, standing on both the left and right leg, in the control group – posterolateral, standing on the right and left leg, posteromedial – standing on the right leg (p<0.05). No differences were found between groups. The static balance of subjects in both groups during the retest did not differ (p>0.05) from the initial assessment. The combined dynamic balance score improved (p<0.05) only in the control group that had a rest break instead of the intervention. No significant differences were found in static balance results either between groups or within groups. Conclusions. Immediate short duration plantar myofascial release was not effective on static and dynamic balance and injury risk in volleyball players. The effect of short-term myofascial release did not differ from that of no intervention. Keywords: balance, volleyball, myofascial release, injury risk.