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THE EFFECTS ON ANKLE DORSIFLEXION AND RANGE OF MOTION: FOAM ROLLING VS. STATIC STRETCHING

S Hulse
M Terry

Abstract

Sara Hulse and Maddilyn Terry

Ouachita Baptist University, Arkedelphia, AR

Research has shown that static stretching produces acute and long-term effects in regard to range of motion (ROM). Foam Rolling has also been seen to have effects on acute increases in ROM. Unlike static stretching, there has not been in depth research as to if foam rolling can have long term effects on ROM. The current study is based on SMITH, J. C., B. R. WASHWELL, M. F. AINI, S. BROWN, and M. C. HALL ‘s study: Effects of Static Stretching and Foam Rolling on Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion. The purpose of the current study was to investigate changes in ankle dorsiflexion ROM over a four-day period of consistent stretching or rolling. This paper will review literature supporting and relating to the purpose of this study and apply the results in relation to future results. Methods: Participants (n= 12) were assigned to one of two groups: foam rolling (FR) or static stretching (SS). Ankle dorsiflexion was measured before FR or SS using a kForce ROM sensor placed on the medial side of the foot. Participants of the SS group would perform a wall stretch for 30 seconds with a 15 second rest for 3 reps on each leg and record ROM of the ankle immediately after. Participants of the FR group would perform rolling on the triceps surae for 30 seconds with 15 second rest for 3 reps on both legs and record ROM of the ankle immediately after. Both groups participated for four days out of the week. Results: Measurements from pre- and post- treatment were compared using a within-subjects test. Descriptive statistics showed the average difference measurements for FR and SS. FR resulted in an average difference of -3.167 for the right ankle (SD=12.91) and -3.033 for the left (SD=18.44). SS resulted in an average difference of -2.400 for the right (SD=10.96) and -0.767 for the left (SD=10.48). There was no significant difference when comparing FR and SS. Conclusions: It can be concluded that there is no significant difference on ROM ankle dorsiflexion when comparing SS and FR. Research indicates there may be significant differences when combining SS and FR.

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