Date of Award

Spring 5-2014

Degree Type

Honors College Thesis

Department

Human Performance and Recreation

First Advisor

Michael Webster

Second Advisor

William Holcomb

Advisor Department

Human Performance and Recreation

Abstract

Research has indicated that static stretching may reduce force production capabilities. This has led many practitioners to exchange static stretching for alternative methods of increasing range of motion (ROM) in warm-ups. Despite having little research to support its use, self myofascial release—foam rolling—has been suggested as a viable alternative (Macdonald et al, 2013). The objective of this study was to determine how self myofascial release (SMR) of the hamstring muscle group affects ROM and torque production capabilities of the hamstring muscle group. Ten subjects (age 26.5 6.5 years, mass 74.412.1 kg, height 1738 cm) were recruited. A within subjects randomized, cross-over design was used. In the control session subjects warmed up and rested passively before having their hamstring ROM and isokinetic eccentric/concentric hamstring torque production capabilities measured. In the experimental session, subjects warmed up and performed SMR before testing. Paired t-tests were used to assess mean differences between passive and experimental measures (p >0.05). No significant differences in ROM or torque production were found between the control and experimental measures. In contrast to previous reports, these findings suggest that SMR is no more effective than passive rest in increasing ROM or isokinetic force production of the hamstring muscle group.

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