Effects of foam rolling on countermovement jump height and power production in collegiate soccer players 2019

Introduction: Foam rolling is a form of self-myofascial release that reduces adhesions or “trigger points” in the musculature. A dynamic warm-up consists of actions that mimic positions and activate muscles used during exercise or competition. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of a single session of foam rolling with a dynamic warm-up versus a dynamic warm-up alone on countermovement jump height and peak power production. Methods: The study consisted of 25 male and female collegiate soccer players from SUNY Cortland. These individuals participated in a randomized cross-over study that tested vertical jump height (cm) and peak power production (W/kg) via a countermovement jump. Individuals participated in both conditions separated by one week of either a dynamic warm-up only or foam rolling and a dynamic warm-up. Results: Data were analyzed by men and women together and men and women separately across both conditions. No statistical significance was found through the paired samples t-tests and effect sizes were trivial (collectively) but small (men and women separated). This was a consequence of opposing directions of responses in these two groups. Conclusion: Male athletes should use foam rolling and a dynamic warm-up before practice or competition, but female athletes should not due to the possibility of it hindering performance