Keywords
Health Care Competency
Abstract
Tightness in the distal hamstring is a common complaint among active individuals. While a foam roller is used to release muscle tension, there are limited studies about the effect using a vibrating foam roller (VFR) on hamstring flexibility and knee range of motion (ROM). For this reason, the purpose of the research was to compare the effect of a VFR and nonvibrating foam roller (NVFR) on hamstring flexibility and knee ROM in active college students. It was hypothesized that there would be more improvement in hamstring flexibility and knee ROM with a VFR than an NVFR. A randomized controlled trial was performed with 10 active college students (age = 21.40 [SD 2.59] years, mass = 77.20 [SD 13.79] kg, and height = 178.90 [SD 7.56] cm). Participants were assigned to 2 groups: NVFR (n = 5) and VFR (n = 5). Participants performed foam rolling on the hamstring for a total of 2 minutes (4 sets of 30 sec). The independent variable was the presence or absence of vibration. The dependent variable was hamstring flexibility and knee ROM measured by the passive knee extension (PKE) test with an inclinometer. An independent-sample t-test was performed to compare the mean difference between the pre- and post-PKE test of each group. The NVFR group showed an increase in the PKE test (6.53 [SD 5.04]º). The VFR group also showed an increase in the PKE test (9.66 [SD 1.58]º). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups (P = .12). The results suggest that improvement in hamstring flexibility and knee ROM with a VFR compared to an NVFR was not statistically significant. However, the increase in hamstring flexibility and knee ROM with a VFR may be clinically significant. Therefore, self-myofascial release with any type of foam roller on the hamstring for a total duration of 2 minutes can help recreationally active athletes with hamstring tightness achieve a greater knee ROM.
Recommended Citation
Sung, Rakhoon; Resnick, Portia B.; Roos, Karen G.; and Nakajima, Mimi
(2026)
"Comparison of Vibrating and Non-Vibrating Foam Roller on Hamstring Range of Motion,"
Clinical Practice in Athletic Training: Vol. 9:
Iss.
1, Article 7.
Available at:
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/clinat/vol9/iss1/7
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