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Acute Effects of Foam Rolling and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching
Sponsor: Acibadem University
Summary
This randomized, assessor-blinded, parallel-group comparative trial investigated the acute effects of foam rolling (FR) and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching used as warm-up strategies in amateur athletes. Following a standardized 5-minute aerobic cycling warm-up, participants were randomly allocated to either a foam rolling group or a PNF stretching group. Hamstring flexibility was the prespecified primary outcome. Isometric knee flexion strength, vertical jump performance, pressure pain threshold, and intervention-related perceived exertion were assessed as secondary outcomes. All performance outcomes were assessed before and immediately after the assigned intervention.
Official title: Acute Effects of Foam Rolling and PNF Stretching as Warm-Up Strategies on Muscle Flexibility, Strength, and Pressure Pain Threshold in Amateur Athletes
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 30 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
80
Start Date
2024-06-10
Completion Date
2025-02-24
Last Updated
2026-09-02
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Foam Rolling
Participants performed unilateral hamstring foam rolling on the dominant lower limb in a long-sitting position on a firm, flat surface. The foam roller was positioned under the hamstring region, and participants slowly rolled back and forth between the ischial tuberosity and the popliteal fossa under sustained body-weight pressure. The protocol consisted of 3 sets of 30 seconds, for a total application time of 90 seconds. Participants were instructed to apply the maximum tolerable pressure that did not produce pain.
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching
Participants received unilateral PNF stretching of the hamstring on the dominant lower limb in a long-sitting position with the knee fully extended. Each repetition consisted of a 5-second maximal isometric hamstring contraction, followed by 5 seconds of relaxation and 20 seconds of passive stretching. The therapist provided manual resistance during the isometric contraction and guided the participant into the stretch position. Four repetitions were performed, for a total application time of 120 seconds.
Locations (1)
Acibadem University
Istanbul, None Selected, Turkey (Türkiye)