Influence of foam rolling on the functional limitations of the musculoskeletal system in healthy women

Study aim: To determine the effect of foam rolling on the functional limitations of the musculoskeletal system.

Material and methods: The study encompassed 37 healthy and physically active women divided into two groups. Group 1 comprised women who performed self-massage with a foam roller after physical effort twice a week, for two months. Group 2 (control) comprised women who did not undergo any exercises or treatment after physical effort. The study used the following research tools: the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) test, the Core Muscle Strength and Stability Test (CMS&ST), and the Sit and Reach Test.

Results: The study revealed that foam rolling minimized functional limitations (as measured with the FMS test). The differences between the first and second measurement in Group 1 were statistically significant (p=0.014). In the control group, the results of both measurements were similar. In the CMS&ST, the maximal result of three minutes was not achieved. Moreover, no improvement of results was observed. In the Sit and Reach Test, a statistically significant improvement in the flexibility of the posterior muscles of the thigh was noted in Group 1 (right lower limb p=0.009, left lower limb p = 0.007).

Conclusions: 1. Foam rolling may minimize the functional limitations of the musculoskeletal system. It is recommended to incorporate self-myofascial release techniques after physical effort into training. 2. Using foam rolling helped maintain the results obtained in the Core Muscle Strength and Stability Test. Therefore, foam rolling may help maintain the achieved core stability.