The Effects of Myofascial Release Using Foam Rolling and Resistance Band Assisted Stretching on Malaysian Rugby Players’ Lower Body Power and Flexibility

Integrating warm-up and stretching prior to performing physical activities has been shown to enhance sporting performance prevent injuries. Foam rolling, also known as myofascial release is widely applied in sport settings as a warm-up. However, there is limited evidence on its effectiveness on lower body power and flexibility among ruggers. This study aimed to compare the effects of myofascial release using foam rolling (MFR) and resistance band assisted stretching (RB) on lower body power and flexibility among Malaysian rugby players. Fifteen elite Malaysian male rugby players were exposed to three warm-up routines consisted of a total body dynamic warm-up (DYN), a total-body dynamic warm-up with foam rolling session (MFR), and total-body dynamic warm-up with resistance band assisted stretching (RB). Following general warm-up in each condition, participants performed flexibility and power tests. Differences in test results between conditions (DYN vs. MFR vs. RB) were investigated using one-way ANOVA. Findings revealed no significant differences in test results for both variables, however MFR recorded a superior performance of power relative to others.