Key Takeaway
Floss band application immediately improved ankle dorsiflexion range of motion in recreational athletes
Summary
This study examined whether tissue flossing (voodoo flossing) around the ankle joint could acutely improve ankle range of motion and jump performance in recreational athletes.
Methods
- Randomized crossover design
- 52 recreationally trained participants
- Intervention: 2mm floss band wrapped around ankle with active movement
- Control: No intervention
- Measured ankle dorsiflexion ROM (weight-bearing lunge test)
- Measured countermovement jump performance
- Assessed immediately post-intervention
Key Results
- Significant improvement in ankle dorsiflexion ROM
- Mean improvement: 8-12mm in knee-to-wall distance
- No significant change in jump performance
- Effects observed immediately after band removal
- Individual responses varied considerably
Limitations
- Acute effects only (no long-term follow-up)
- Duration of effects not measured
- Mechanism not directly tested
- No placebo control (participants knew intervention)
- Recreational athletes only