A systematic review on how foam rolling affects recovery and key performance factors like range of motion, strength, jumping ability, and agility.

Abstract

Foam rolling has emerged as one of the most popular recovery methods in recent years. This study aims to evaluate the effects of foam rolling on the recovery process and various performance parameters in athletes and healthy active individuals. This research is a systematic review that analyzes randomized controlled trials published in English between January 2014 and March 2024, accessed through electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO SportDiscuss with Full Text. The keywords used in the search include “foam rolling,” “foam roller,” “foam rolling massage,” and “myofascial release.” The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were utilized to guide the research process and the preparation of the report. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 14 articles were included in this review. The findings suggest that foam rolling accelerates recovery after injuries, facilitates the overall recovery process, and generally enhances performance. On the other hand, there is no definitive evidence indicating adverse effects on performance. Foam rolling may help mitigate declines in muscle performance, particularly in terms of physical attributes such as strength, power, and agility, and reduce perceived pain and effort following intense exercise. However, due to the heterogeneity of the study samples, further research focusing specifically on sports-related applications is recommended.