Effects of Tissue Flossing and Dynamic Stretching on Hamstring Muscles Function

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Tissue flossing is proposed to improve range of motion (ROM), reduce pain, and prevent injuries, but empirical evidence is limited.
• Understanding the specific effects of tissue flossing on muscle function is crucial for optimizing athletic performance and rehabilitation strategies.
• Dynamic stretching (DS) is a common method for improving flexibility, serving as a relevant comparison for tissue flossing interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of tissue flossing on hamstring muscle function.
• To compare the efficacy of tissue flossing against dynamic stretching (DS) in enhancing hamstring function.
• To evaluate changes in range of motion, passive torque, and muscle exertion following flossing and DS interventions.

Main Methods:

• A randomized crossover trial involving 17 healthy young men.
• Subjects underwent three conditions: tissue flossing, dynamic stretching (DS), and a control period, with at least one week between interventions.
• Measurements included the straight leg raise (SLR) test, passive knee extension (KE) test, passive torque, and maximal eccentric knee flexion/extension contractions.

Main Results:

• Tissue flossing demonstrated significant improvements in the SLR test, passive KE test, passive torque, and maximal eccentric knee flexion contraction compared to the control.
• Compared to DS, tissue flossing resulted in significantly greater improvements in the passive KE test and maximal eccentric knee extension contraction.
• Flossing showed a 2.1-fold greater improvement in the passive KE test compared to DS.

Conclusions:

• Tissue flossing is more effective than dynamic stretching for improving hamstring range of motion and muscle exertion.
• The findings suggest tissue flossing is a beneficial intervention for enhancing hamstring muscle function.
• Further research should explore the long-term effects and optimal protocols for tissue flossing in various populations.