The effect of different speeds of myofascial release on the mechanical properties of tissues

Recently, many athletes have begun to incorporate self-myofascial release applications (foam rolling) into their training programs. Despite the widespread use of foam roller applications, studies on the fundamental mechanisms and optimal application methods are limited. In this study, the effect of foam roller applications at different speeds on the mechanical properties of the quadriceps femoris muscle was investigated. Eighteen male professional basketball players (age 23 ± 4 years, body mass index 24.43 ± 1.59 kg/m², basketball experience 12 ± 4 years) participated. Participants applied three different application speeds (30 beats per minute-Fast, 15 beats per minute-Slow, and a self-determined speed) in random order with one-week wash-out period. The tone, elasticity, and stiffness of the quadriceps femoris muscle were evaluated using a Myoton device before and after the intervention, while hip and knee joint range of motion was measured with a goniometer on modified thomas test. The self-determined speed applications were found to be 33±10 beats per minute. All three application speeds were similar in terms of pre-intervention values (p>0.05). However, post-intervention values showed a significant difference in muscle tone among application speeds (p=0.04). Pairwise comparisons indicated that this significant difference was between slow and self-selected speeds (p=0.037). Additionally, muscle tone decreased compared to pre-intervention values in the slow and fast application groups (p=0.002, p=0.008). In contrast, no change or difference was observed in normal joint range of motion values (p>0.05). Slower applications were observed to induce a more pronounced decrease in muscle tone. Slower-speed applications may be preferred to help regulate increased muscle tone after exercise. Further studies are needed to investigate whether the decrease in muscle tone indicates a continuous decline or a normalization.