The Effect of Self-Myofascial Release Technique via Foam Roller on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness Level
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15266489Keywords:
DOMS, HIIT, SMR, Muscle soreness, Foam rollerAbstract
Exercise-induced muscle damage triggers an inflammatory response, leading to the clinical condition known as delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Various recovery strategies are being developed to mitigate the effects of DOMS. One increasingly popular approach is self-myofascial release (SMR). However, knowledge in this area remains limited, and further research is essential. The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in the intensity of DOMS over a 72-hour period post-exercise in individuals who performed SMR compared to those who did not. This cross-sectional study employed a fully experimental design with experimental and control groups. Participants in both groups (control: n=16; experimental: n=16) underwent a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program to induce muscle damage. To assess the impact of SMR on DOMS, the experimental group was incorporated into a post-HIIT SMR intervention, while the control group did not receive any post-exercise intervention. Pain intensity was measured using a pain scale immediately before, immediately after, and at 24, 48, and 72 hours post-HIIT. Statistical analysis revealed significant effects for time, group, and the time-by-group interaction, with differences between the groups becoming particularly evident at 48 and 72 hours. Additionally, the experimental group showed a more controlled increase in pain intensity and a faster reduction in pain compared to the control group. These findings suggest that SMR is a viable strategy for alleviating exercise-induced muscle soreness and accelerating recovery. However, it is recommended that further studies explore the long-term effects of this method and its potential benefits across different types of exercise.
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