The Influence of Local Muscle Vibration During Foam Rolling on Range of Motion and Pain (2015)

Undergraduates: Danielle Enrique, Timothy Mauntel Brian Pietrosimone

Faculty Advisor: Darin Padua
Department: Exercise & Sport Science

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The purpose of this study was to identify the combined effects of foam rolling and vibration therapy on dorsiflexion range of motion restriction. Determining a more effective treatment for increasing range of motion will contribute to developing a more efficient treatment for range of motion restrictions, improvement of lower extremity kinematics, and a reduction of injury. Healthy, physically active young adults (n=20) with restricted dorsiflexion in the weight-bearing lunge (<40 degrees) and a minimum of one myofascial trigger point were included. A controlled crossover study design was used. Participants received foam rolling with vibration during one session and foam rolling without vibration during the other session. Foam rolling with vibration was more effective in increasing range of motion than foam rolling without vibration without a resultant increase in measured or perceived pain. Foam rolling with vibration is an effective clinical tool for improving range of motion restrictions caused by myofascial trigger points.