Effects of percussive massage vs. foam rolling on hamstring function: a comparative study using shear wave...

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Investigated acute effects of vibration foam rolling (VFR) and percussive massage (PM) on hamstring muscles.
• Assessed range of motion (ROM), maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), and muscle stiffness.
• Examined correlations between shear wave elastography (SWE), tensiomyography (TMG), and MyotonPro stiffness measures.

Purpose of the Study:

• Compare acute effects of VFR vs. PM on hamstring biomechanics.
• Evaluate impact on ROM, MVIC, and muscle stiffness.
• Determine inter-method reliability of stiffness assessment techniques.

Main Methods:

• Seventeen participants randomized to VFR or PM.
• Assessed biceps femoris (BF) muscle stiffness using SWE, TMG, and MyotonPro.
• Measured hamstring MVIC and performed sit-and-reach test pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• No significant changes in ROM or BF muscle stiffness post-VFR or PM.
• Significant time effect observed for MVIC torque (p = 0.01).
• No significant correlations found between SWE, TMG, and MyotonPro stiffness measurements.

Conclusions:

• Acute VFR or PM (3x30s) does not enhance hamstring ROM or alter muscle stiffness.
• Both interventions acutely reduced MVIC torque without significant difference.
• SWE, TMG, and MyotonPro are not interchangeable for hamstring stiffness assessment.