Effect of foam roller release in healthy young adults with hamstring tightness

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate the effects of self-induced myofascial release (SMR) using a foam roller on hamstring flexibility when combined with static stretching. MethodsThis Study involved 60 healthy individuals aged 18-30, all with an active knee-extension angle greater than 30 degrees. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the control group, which was given manual static stretching (n = 30), and the experimental group, which received foam roller release combined with static stretching (n = 30). Both groups followed a 2-week intervention protocol, performing the exercises three times per week. Hamstring flexibility was measured using the Active Knee Extension Test (AKET) before and after the intervention period. ResultsBoth groups showed significant improvements in AKET angles (P < 0.001). The control group improved from a baseline AKET angle of 45.2 degrees +/- 3.4 degrees to 56.7 degrees +/- 3.6 degrees, while the experimental group improved from 44.8 degrees +/- 3.2 degrees to 57.1 degrees +/- 3.3 degrees. No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups (P = 0.78). ConclusionThe findings demonstrate that both foam roller release and static stretching are equally effective methods for enhancing hamstring flexibility. There is no additional benefit of combining foam roller release with static stretching for managing hamstring tightness.