The effect of vibration foam roller application on gastrocnemius muscle passive mechanical properties, delayed onset muscle soreness and functions in physically active individuals

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two different foam roller applications on the gastrocnemius muscle on muscle passive mechanical properties, delayed onset muscle soreness and functions in physically active individuals. Thirty healthy individuals (mean age±sd: 23.29±1.12 years), including 15 physically active men and 15 women, were included in the study. After the demographic information and first measurements (before exercise) of the individuals participating in the study were taken, they were asked to perform the eccentric heel raise exercise consisting of 30 repetitions and 5 sets. With this exercise, it was aimed to create gastrocnemius delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in both legs of the individuals. Measurements were repeated after exercise (post-exercise). Individuals were asked to come back for evaluation after 48 hours. First, the measurements were repeated for the individuals who came for evaluation after 48 hours (before the foam roller), then the muscle to which the vibrating foam roller (VFR) would be applied (right or left gastrocnemius) was determined by randomization and applied, and the other muscle was treated with a non-vibrating foam roller (NVFR). Final measurements were taken after the applications (after the foam roller). Passive mechanical properties of the muscle were evaluated with the Myoton-3 device, delayed onset muscle soreness with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), muscle strength with a hand dynamometer, joint range of motion (ROM) with the weight-bearing lunge test, and dynamic balance with the Y-Balance Test. After foam roller application, compared to before foam roller, the increase in ankle joint range of motion, muscle strength and anterior dynamic balance was greater in VFR than in NVFR (p<0.001, p=0.04, p=0.01, respectively). Both VFR and NVFR applications can be used to reduce delayed onset muscle soreness, muscle tone and stiffness, and increase muscle strength, ROM and dynamic balance. On the other hand, considering that vibrating foam roller application increases muscle strength, ROM and dynamic balance during the post-exercise recovery process, it may be recommended to use it to accelerate the post-exercise recovery process. Keywords: vibration, muscle strength, exercise, balance, ankle