The influence of the application of foam rolling on muscle tone and strength

Research object – muscle tone and maximal strength. The aim of the research – to determine the influence of foam rolling on muscle tone and maximal strength. Methods – 10 males participated in 2 different sessions. One session involved using a foam roller as a recovery tool after maximal strength training protocol for the musculus gastrocnemius. The second session involved using passive recovery after maximal strength training protocol. The training protocol involved 80 % loads of maximal voluntary contraction. Muscle tone, soreness and elasticity was measured by using a Myoton – 3 myotonometer. Research tasks: 1. To identify the influence of foam rolling on the musculus gastrocnemius muscle tone. 2. To identify the influence of foam rolling on the musculus gastrocnemius volitional maximal strength. Results of the research - the use of a roam roller, after a maximal strength training protocol, maximal strength indicators were higher (161,6 ± 4,3 kg) than of the group who did passive rest (154,4 ± 5,1 kg), however the differences were not statistically significant. Foam rolling also had a more positive impact on muscle tone and soreness compared to passive rest, the difference between results were statistically significant, but no significant difference between the groups decrement results were registered. Conclusion of the research – foam rolling decreased muscle tone and soreness of the musculus gastrocnemius. Foam rolling had a positive impact on recovery of the musculus gastrocnemius, which had a tendency in increased strength indicators