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Perceived Pain Responses to Foam Rolling Associate with Basal Heart Rate Variability
Marvette Wilkerson1, Christopher Anderson1, Gregory J Grosicki1
1Biodynamics and Human Performance Center, Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology, Georgia Southern University (Armstrong Campus), Savannah, Georgia, USA.
Summary
Foam rolling (FR) did not change heart rate variability (HRV) in healthy adults. However, lower baseline HRV was linked to higher perceived pain during FR, suggesting autonomic activity influences pain sensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Autonomic Nervous System
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Foam rolling (FR) is a self-myofascial release technique.
- Its effects on autonomic functioning, measured by heart rate variability (HRV), are not well understood.
- Perceived pain or relaxation during FR may influence individual HRV responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute effects of FR on resting HRV.
- To determine if perceived pain during FR predicts changes in HRV.
Main Methods:
- A randomized crossover design study involving healthy adults.
- Participants underwent total body FR or a control condition on separate days.
- Heart rate variability (RR interval and LnRMSSD) and perceived pain were measured before, immediately after, and 25-30 minutes post-FR.
Main Results:
- No significant changes in RR interval or LnRMSSD were observed following FR.
- Perceived pain ratings did not correlate with HRV changes.
- A significant inverse association was found between baseline LnRMSSD and perceived pain during FR.
Conclusions:
- Acute foam rolling does not systematically alter resting heart rate variability in healthy adults.
- Perceived pain during FR does not predict HRV responses.
- Lower baseline HRV may be associated with increased pain sensitivity during foam rolling.
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