Investigation of the Effects of Foam Roller Rolling Technique and Self-Myofascial Relaxation on Range of Motion, Balance, Flexibility and Agility in Young Male Basketball Players

Mehmet Pense; Veysel Böge; Havva Demırel

doi:10.15314/tsed.1705193

Investigation of the Effects of Foam Roller Rolling Technique and Self-Myofascial Relaxation on Range of Motion, Balance, Flexibility and Agility in Young Male Basketball Players

Authors : Mehmet Pense, Veysel Böge, Havva Demırel

Pages : 322-334

Doi:10.15314/tsed.1705193

View : 56 | Download : 100

Publication Date : 2025-08-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The aim of this study is to determine the effect of self-myofascial release (SMR) applied immediately after intense exercise on athletic performance parameters such as joint range of motion (ROM), flexibility, agility, and balance. One of the popular methods today to reduce the negative effects on the body after fatigue is self-myofascial release. Myofascial release is a targeted, directional, low-load mechanical force application aimed at restoring optimum tissue length and improving function. The study involved 12 male basketball players (mean age 16,42±0,52 years) who actively played basketball and were randomly divided into two groups (SMR=6 and CNT=6). The participants performed a self-myofascial release application for 30 seconds immediately after basketball training (3 days per week) for 8 weeks. The flexibility, agility, balance, and joint range of motion values of the participants were measured before and after the 8-week period (PreTest and PostTest). The statistical analysis of within-group time differences and inter-group differences was performed using a mixed design (2x2) ANOVA test (SPSS 23). Significant results in favor of the SMR group were found only for hip adduction ROM values (p<0,05), while improvements in other ROM values, flexibility, and agility parameters were detected within the SMR groups, though not statistically significant between PreTest and PostTest. As a result, it was not possible to establish evidence that SMR applications after training could significantly help in increasing joint range of motion, improving balance performance, enhancing muscle flexibility, or decreasing agility values in basketball players. However, improvements, albeit at low levels, in all parameters suggest that self-myofascial release may contribute to the recovery phase of athletes. Therefore, clinicians, sports scientists, coaches, and athletic performance specialists should provide athletes with the most appropriate recovery strategies for higher performance, readiness, and competition.
Keywords : Eklem Hareket Açıklığı, Denge, Esneklik, Çeviklik

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