Acute Effects Of Myofascial Release On Postural Sway On Lower Extremities In Collegiate Female Athletes

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to observe if balance scores changed after foam rolling the quadriceps and hamstrings in comparison to the calves in female athletes within several minutes of the intervention. METHODS: Thirty-six, college-aged female athletes (Age 20.39 ± 0.25 years; Weight 68.70 ± 1.97 kg; Height 170.18 ± 1.56 cm) were divided into two groups (Soccer, Volleyball). Soccer Group performed approximately two minutes moderate intensity foam rolling applied to the calves, while Volleyball foam rolled the hamstrings and quadricep muscles. Center of Pressure (CoP) testing was assessed both (pre-) and (post-) foam rolling using a computerized posturography plate with eyes open stable surface (EOSS), eye closed stable surface (ECSS), perturbed surface (PS) both eyes open (EOPS) and closed (ECPS). RESULTS: There was no main effect for Time (p = 0.625; η2 = 0.007) which indicated that CoP did not change from Pre to Post regardless of Group. However, there was a significant effect for Condition (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.516). There were no differences between the 2 Groups (p > 0.6; η2 = 0.008), and no significant interaction effects were detected (p > 0.3; η2 < 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: This investigation demonstrated CoP scores can improve based on location of the intervention.