Adding vibration and non-vibration foam rolling to routine soccer training alters muscle strength, flexibility, and dynamic balance in young male semi-professional soccer players: a randomized, controlled comparative study

This study aimed to examine the effects of 6-week vibration (VFR) and non-vibration foam rolling (FR) on muscle strength, hamstrings-to-quadriceps (H:Q) ratio, flexibility, and dynamic balance in soccer players. Thirty-six players were included in the study. The players were randomly assigned to either VFR (n=12), FR (n=12), or control group (CG) (n=12). The players in VFR and FR groups performed VFR or FR thrice per week for 6 weeks. The CG did not receive any intervention. Pre- and post-test assessment included muscle strength, H:Q ratio, flexibility, and dynamic balance. Dominant extremity knee flexor and non-dominant extremity knee flexor and extensor muscle strength improved in VFR and FR groups (p<0.05). Flexibility and dynamic balance improved in VFR group (p<0.05). Both 6-week VFR and FR increased muscle strength without affecting H:Q ratio. VFR was more effective than FR for improving flexibility and dynamic balance. The results can be stunning for performance enhancement.