The Effect of Foam Rolling Versus IASTM on Knee Range of Motion, Fascial Displacement, and Patient Satisfaction

in Journal of Sport Rehabilitation

Click name to view affiliation

Michelle A. Sandrey
Search for other papers by Michelle A. Sandrey in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Cody Lancellotti
Search for other papers by Cody Lancellotti in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Cory Hester
Search for other papers by Cory Hester in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
Restricted access

Context: Soft tissue restrictions have been linked to poor flexibility and decreased range of motion (ROM). To decrease the soft tissue restrictions and ultimately increase ROM/flexibility, myofascial release techniques, such as foam rolling (FR) and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), have been used. However, the benefit regarding which technique is more beneficial remains unknown. Objective: To examine the effects of myofascial release techniques (FR vs the instrumented portion of IASTM) on knee joint ROM, rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) fascial displacement, and patient satisfaction. Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial. Setting: Mid-Atlantic University. Participants: Twenty moderately active participants (age 21.1 [2.0] y) with variable levels of soft tissue restriction in the quadriceps and hamstrings started and completed the study. Participants were randomly assigned to 2 groups, FR or IASTM. Interventions: All participants completed the same warm-up prior to the intervention. The FR group followed the proper FR protocol for gluteals/iliotibial band, quadriceps, and hamstrings/adductors, and the participants were monitored while the protocol was completed. The IASTM group received treatment on the gluteals/iliotibial band followed by the quadriceps, adductors, and hamstrings. Participants in both groups attended intervention sessions twice per week for 3 weeks. Prior to the start, knee ROM measurements were taken, along with fascial displacement measured via ultrasound. Upon completion of the study, posttest measurements were completed. A patient satisfaction survey was also administered at this time. Main Outcome Measures: Pretest to posttest knee ROM measurements, RF and BF fascial displacement, and patient satisfaction. Results: Both groups improved pretest to posttest for knee-extension ROM, with a slight trend toward increased knee-extension ROM for the FR group. Both groups improved pretest to posttest for BF and RF fascial displacement, in favor of the IASTM group for BF fascial displacement. Both groups were equally satisfied. Conclusions: As both groups improved pretest to posttest, either treatment could be used.

Sandrey is with the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA. Lancellotti is with the Pivot Physical Therapy, Sykesville, MD, USA. Hester is with the Vail Summit Orthopedics, Edwards, CO, USA.

Sandrey (msandrey@mail.wvu.edu) is corresponding author.
  • Collapse
  • Expand
  • 1.

    Beardsley C, Škarabot J. Effects of self-myofascial release: a systematic review. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2015;19(4):747758. PubMed ID: 26592233 doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2015.08.007

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 2.

    Schroeder A, Best T. Is self myofascial release an effective preexercise and recovery strategy? A literature review. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2015;14(3):200208. PubMed ID: 25968853 doi:10.1249/JSR.0000000000000148

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 3.

    Rodríguez-Fuentes I, De Toro FJ, Rodríguez-Fuentes G, de Oliveria IM, Iris Machado R, Fuentes-Boquete IM. Myofascial release therapy in the treatment of occupational mechanical neck pain. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2016;95(7):507515. doi:10.1097/PHM.0000000000000425

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 4.

    Curran PF, Fiore RD, Crisco JJ. A comparison of the pressure exerted on soft tissue by 2 myofascial rollers. J Sport Rehabil. 2008;17(4):432442. PubMed ID: 19160916 doi:10.1123/jsr.17.4.432

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 5.

    MacDonald GZ, Penney MDH, Mullaley ME, et al. An acute bout of self-myofascial release increases range of motion without a subsequent decrease in muscle activation or force. J Strength Cond Res. 2013;27(3):812821. PubMed ID: 22580977 doi:10.1519/JSC.0b013e31825c2bc1

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 6.

    Markovic G. Acute effects of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization vs foam rolling on knee and hip range of motion in soccer players. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2015;19(4):690696. PubMed ID: 26592226 doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2015.04.010

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 7.

    Couture G, Karlik D, Glass SC, Hatzel BM. The effect of foam rolling duration on hamstring range of motion. Open Orthop J. 2015;9(1):450455. PubMed ID: 26587061 doi:10.2174/1874325001509010450

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 8.

    Kelly S, Beardsley C. Specific and cross-over effects of foam rolling on ankle dorsiflexion range of motion. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2016;11(4):544551. PubMed ID: 27525179

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 9.

    Vaughan B, McLaughlin P, Lepley AS. Immediate changes in pressure pain threshold in the iliotibial band using a myofascial (foam) roller. Int J Ther Rehabil. 2014;21(12):569574. doi:10.12968/ijtr.2014.21.12.569

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 10.

    Cheatham S, Lee M, Cain M, Baker R. The efficacy of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization: a systematic review. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2016;60(3):200211. PubMed ID: 27713575

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 11.

    Laudner K, Compton B, McLoda T, Walters C. Acute effects of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization for improving posterior shoulder range of motion in collegiate baseball players. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2014;9(1):17. PubMed ID: 24567849

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 12.

    McMurray J, Landis S, Lininger K, Baker RT, Nasypany A, Seegmiller J. A comparison and review of indirect myofascial release therapy, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, and active release techniques to inform clinical decision making. Int J Athl Ther Train. 2015;20(5):2934. doi:10.1123/ijatt.2015-0009

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 13.

    Vardiman J, Siedlik J, Herda T, et al. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization: effects on the properties of human plantar flexors. Int J Sports Med. 2014;36(3):197203. doi:10.1055/s-0034-1384543

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 14.

    Peacock C, Krein D, Silver T, Sanders G, Von Carlowitz K. An acute bout of self-myofascial release in the form of foam rolling improves performance testing. Int J Exerc Sci. 2014;7(3):202211. PubMed ID: 27182404

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 15.

    Škarabot J, Beardsley C, Štirn I. Comparing the effects of self-myofascial release with static stretching on ankle range-of-motion in adolescent athletes. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2015;10(2):203212. PubMed ID: 25883869

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 16.

    Scattone S, Nakagawa T, Ferreira A, Garcia L, Santos J, Serrão F. Lower limb strength and flexibility in athletes with and without patellar tendinopathy. Phys Ther Sport. 2016; 20:1925. doi:10.1016/j.ptsp.2015.12.001

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 17.

    Ichikawa K, Takei H, Usa H, Mitomo S, Ogawa D. Comparative analysis of ultrasound changes in the vastus lateralis muscle following myofascial release and thermotherapy: a pilot study. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2015;19(2):327336. PubMed ID: 25892389 doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2014.11.018

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 18.

    e Lima KM, Carneiro SP, Alves Dde S, Peixinho CC, de Oliveira LF. Assessment of muscle architecture of the biceps femoris and vastus lateralis by ultrasound after a chronic stretching program. Clin J Sport Med. 2015;25(1):5560. PubMed ID: 24451696 doi:10.1097/JSM.0000000000000069

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 19.

    Law B, Driediger M, Hall C, Forwell L. Imagery use, perceived pain, limb functioning and satisfaction in athletic injury rehabilitation. N Z J Physiother. 2006;34(1):1016.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 20.

    Carey-Loghmani MT, Schrader JW, Hammer WI, Shakar JJ. Graston Technique M1 Instruction Manual. 3rd ed. Indianapolis, IN: TherapyCare Resources, Inc; 2010.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 21.

    Cohn J. Statistical Power Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences. 2nd ed. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum; 1988.

  • 22.

    Fermin S, Larkins L, Beene S, Wetzel D. The effect of contralateral exercise on patient pain and range of motion. J Sport Rehabil. 2018;27(2):185188. PubMed ID: 27992295 doi:10.1123/jsr.2016-0181

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 23.

    Killen BS, Zelizeny KL, Ye X. Crossover effects of unilateral static stretching and foam rolling on contralateral hamstring flexibility and strength. J Sport Rehabil. 2019;28(6):533539. PubMed ID: 29543123 doi:10.1123/jsr.2017-0356

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 8100 2115 84
Full Text Views 204 44 5
PDF Downloads 241 64 9