The Effects of a Self-Myofascial Release Program on Isokinetic Hamstrings-to-Quadriceps Strength Ratio and Range of Motion of the Knee Joint Among Athletes With Hamstring Shortness

Context: Range of motion (ROM) and muscular strength are the main factors that affect athletic performance. Self-myofascial release is a flexibility technique, which is used to inhibit overactive muscle fibers. Objective: To investigate the effects of the 8-week self-myofascial release on the isokinetic hamstrings-to-quadriceps strength ratio (H/Q(Ratio)) and the ROM of the knee joint among male athletes with the hamstring shortness. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Setting: Research laboratory. Participants: Twenty-four college-aged male athletes with hamstring shortness were selected for this study and were randomly assigned to a foam rolling group (FOAM, n = 12) and a control group (n = 12). Interventions: Participants in the FOAM group performed supervised self-myofascial release program 3 times per week for 8 weeks. The control group received no intervention. Methods: Data were analyzed via 2-way repeated-measure analysis of variance at the significance level of .05. Main Outcome Measures: ROM and the H/Q(Ratio) at the velocities of 60 degrees/s, 120 degrees/s, and 180 degrees/s were measured by an isokinetic dynamometer. Results: The results of 2-way repeated-measure analysis of variance demonstrated that hamstring ROM increased in FOAM group (P = .001). No significant changes were found in H/Q(Ratio) after self-myofascial release for FOAM group (P >=.05). Conclusions: When compared with other methods of stretching, self-myofascial release with foam rolling may be beneficial in increasing ROM without decreasing H/Q(Ratio) in people with the hamstring shortness.