A comparison of the pressure exerted on soft tissue by 2 myofascial rollers.
BACKGROUND
Self-myofascial release (SMR) is a technique used to treat myofascial restrictions and restore soft-tissue extensibility.


OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the pressure and contact area on the lateral thigh differ between a Multilevel rigid roller (MRR) and a Bio-Foam roller (BFR) for participants performing SMR.


METHODS
Ten healthy young men and women.


METHODS
Participants performed an SMR technique on the lateral thigh using both myofascial rollers. Thin-film pressure sensels recorded pressure and contact area during each SMR trial.


RESULTS
Mean sensel pressure exerted on the soft tissue of the lateral thigh by the MRR (51.8 +/- 10.7 kPa) was significantly (P < .001) greater than that of the conventional BFR (33.4 +/- 6.4 kPa). Mean contact area of the MRR (47.0 +/- 16.1 cm2) was significantly (P < .005) less than that of the BFR (68.4 +/- 25.3 cm2).


CONCLUSIONS
The significantly higher pressure and isolated contact area with the MRR suggest a potential benefit in SMR.
Curran
Patrick F
PF
Dept of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI 02903, USA.
Fiore
Russell D
RD
Crisco
Joseph J
JJ
D000328:Adult; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008405:Massage / Q000379:methods*; D018763:Muscle Fatigue; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011312:Pressure; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013848:Thigh / Q000503:physiopathology*