title: Effects of self-myofascial release: A systematic review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Self-myofascial release (SMFR) is a type of myofascial release performed by the individual themselves rather than by a clinician, typically using a tool.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To review the literature regarding studies exploring acute and chronic clinical effects of SMFR.
  
  
  METHODS
  PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched during February 2015 for studies containing words related to the topic of SMFR.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Acutely, SMFR seems to increase flexibility and reduce muscle soreness but does not impede athletic performance. It may lead to improved arterial function, improved vascular endothelial function, and increased parasympathetic nervous system activity acutely, which could be useful in recovery. There is conflicting evidence whether SMFR can improve flexibility long-term.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  SMFR appears to have a range of potentially valuable effects for both athletes and the general population, including increasing flexibility and enhancing recovery.
authors.affiliation: Strength and Conditioning Research Limited, Holborn, London, United Kingdom. Electronic address: chrisabeardsley@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Beardsley
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology of Physical Activity, University of Jyväskylä, Finland.
authors.forename: Jakob
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Škarabot
mesh_terms: D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000502:physiology; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D063806:Myalgia / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D064746:Therapy, Soft Tissue / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D059289:Vascular Stiffness / Q000502:physiology
keywords: Athletic performance; Delayed onset muscle soreness; Flexibility; Foam rolling