Key Takeaway
Foam rolling acutely reduced passive muscle stiffness and increased fascial sliding, supporting its use for improving mobility.
Summary
Study examining the immediate mechanical effects of foam rolling on tissue properties.
Methods
- Acute intervention study
- Healthy adults
- Foam rolling vs control
- Ultrasound measurement of tissue properties
Key Results
- Reduced passive tissue stiffness
- Increased fascial sliding
- Improved range of motion
- Effects last 10-20 minutes
- Mechanical tissue changes demonstrated
Limitations
- Acute effects only
- Single muscle group
- Healthy population
- Optimal duration unclear