The Effects of Self-Myofascial Release on Physical Fitness and Swing Performance in Male Collegiate Golfers in China
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Enrolling By Invitation
- Sponsor
- Enrollment
- 30
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Driver Club Head Speed
Study Overview
Brief Summary
This is a randomized controlled trial aimed at evaluating the effects of a self-myofascial release (SMR) program on physical fitness and swing performance in male collegiate golfers in China. The primary purpose is to determine whether SMR, using foam rollers and massage balls, can improve joint mobility, core control, balance, and golf-specific swing outcomes.
The study seeks to answer the following key questions:
Can an 8-week SMR program enhance physical functions such as mobility, balance, and trunk control in male collegiate golfers?
Can SMR improve key performance indicators of golf swing, including club head speed, ball speed, carry distance, and accuracy?
Participants (n=60) will be healthy male collegiate golfers aged 18-25, randomly assigned to either an experimental group (SMR) or a time-matched control group (no SMR). Both groups will undergo 8 weeks of golf training in a centralized camp with identical accommodations and practice schedules.
The SMR group will perform supervised self-myofascial release exercises using Decathlon-brand foam rollers and balls, three times per week (30 min/session) in the gym after regular training.
The control group will engage in supervised 30-minute sessions of passive golf-related video watching, scheduled at the same time and environment as the SMR sessions.
Assessments will be conducted at Week 0 (baseline), Week 4 (midpoint), and Week 8 (post-intervention). Testing will include range-of-motion (ROM) measurements, balance tasks, strength/stability exercises, and golf swing performance using a TrackMan Launch Monitor. All outcome assessors will be blinded to group allocation to minimize bias.
The study aims to provide evidence on whether SMR is an effective training strategy to enhance functional movement and sports-specific performance in amateur golfers.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Supportive Care
- Masking
- Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Masking Description
Outcome assessors were blinded to group allocation throughout the study. All participants were assigned ID codes, and test results were recorded without any indication of group assignment. Assessors were not involved in the delivery of the intervention or in regular training sessions, and all assessments (physical fitness and swing performance) were conducted in a standardized manner to reduce potential bias. The blinding process was maintained until data analysis was completed.
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 18 Years to 25 Years (Adult)
- Sex
- Male
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •Male participants aged 18 to 25 years
- •Collegiate golfers who are right-handed
- •Currently active in university-level golf training (at least twice per week)
- •Free of injuries or conditions that prevent participation in assessments or interventions
- •Willing and able to provide written informed consent
- •Not engaged in any other flexibility training or self-myofascial release (SMR) programs during the study period
Exclusion Criteria
- •History of musculoskeletal injury or surgery within the past six months
- •Diagnosed neurological disorders or balance impairments
- •Current participation in other interventional studies
- •Use of medications affecting neuromuscular function
- •Any condition that prevents completion of golf swing or fitness testing
Arms & Interventions
Self-Myofascial Release (SMR) Group
The SMR program was delivered three times per week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays), each session lasting approximately 30 minutes and conducted after 7:00 PM in the on-site gym, immediately following daily golf training. Prior to the first session, a certified instructor provided standardized instruction on SMR techniques using foam rollers and massage balls targeting the thoracolumbar fascia, gluteal and hip complex, hamstrings, and shoulder girdle. All sessions were supervised to ensure compliance and correct execution. SMR exercises were performed in a fixed sequence. All participants in the SMR group used the same model of equipment purchased in bulk from Decathlon (DOMYOS brand), including a 45 cm × 15 cm high-density EVA foam roller and a 6.5 cm massage ball. Participants in the SMR group did not engage in any video watching activities during the intervention period, unlike the control group.
Intervention: Self-Myofascial Release (SMR) Program (Behavioral)
Control Group (No SMR)
Participants in the control group did not receive any self-myofascial release (SMR) intervention. They followed the same daily training schedule, accommodation, and meals as the SMR group. Instead of SMR, they engaged in supervised viewing of golf-related instructional videos or documentaries three times per week, approximately 30 minutes per session, after 7:00 PM in a designated classroom. This was matched in timing and frequency to the SMR group's sessions. No flexibility, mobility, or soft tissue techniques were included. Sessions were conducted collectively at the same time and setting as the SMR group to control for attention and environmental bias. Attendance and compliance were monitored by supervisors.
Intervention: Golf-Related Video Viewing (Attention Control) (Behavioral)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Driver Club Head Speed
Time Frame: Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session
Club head speed during driver shots was measured using the TrackMan 3 Launch Monitor (TrackMan A/S, Vedbæk, Denmark) at a designated driving range. Participants were tested in groups of ten, using their own drivers (1-wood) for consistency. Prior to testing, each participant completed a supervised dynamic warm-up and five warm-up swings. They then performed five full-effort swings. Club head speed, defined as the velocity of the club head at ball impact, was recorded in miles per hour (mph). The average of the three most consistent shots (within 10% variance in ball flight) was used for analysis. All sessions were conducted at the same time of day under standardized environmental conditions, with new Titleist Pro V1 balls, fixed tee height, and pre-calibrated TrackMan settings.
Driver Carry Distance
Time Frame: Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session
Carry distance for driver shots was measured using the TrackMan 3 Launch Monitor (TrackMan A/S, Vedbæk, Denmark) at a designated driving range. All participants were tested in batches of ten and used their own 1-wood driver for consistency. Prior to testing, each participant completed a supervised dynamic warm-up and five warm-up swings. They then performed five full-effort swings. Carry distance was defined as the straight-line distance from the point of impact to where the ball first touched the ground, recorded in yards. The average of the three most consistent shots (with less than 10% variance in flight distance) was used for analysis. All tests were conducted under consistent environmental conditions (time of day, lighting, temperature) using standardized tee height and new Titleist Pro V1 balls. The TrackMan was recalibrated before each session.
Driver Side Deviation
Time Frame: Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session
Driver side deviation was used to evaluate the lateral accuracy of tee shots with the driver (1-wood). Measurements were collected using the TrackMan 3 Launch Monitor (TrackMan A/S, Vedbæk, Denmark), a radar-based device validated for golf performance analysis. Each participant used their personal driver to maintain equipment familiarity. After completing a standardized dynamic warm-up and five practice swings, participants executed five full-effort swings. Side deviation was defined as the absolute horizontal distance (in yards) between the ball's landing point and the intended target line, regardless of whether the miss was left or right. The three most consistent shots-those within a 10% variance in carry distance-were selected, and their average side deviation was calculated for analysis. Testing was conducted on the same designated driving range under consistent environmental conditions, including time of day, lighting, and temperature. New Titleist Pro V1 balls.
Driver Shot Proximity to Target
Time Frame: Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session
Proximity to target was measured to assess the directional and distance accuracy of driver shots using the TrackMan 3 Launch Monitor (TrackMan A/S, Vedbæk, Denmark). Each participant used their own 1-wood (driver) and performed five full-effort swings after completing a supervised dynamic warm-up and five warm-up swings. The test target was a fixed point on the driving range aligned with the intended launch line. Proximity was defined as the straight-line distance (in yards) between the ball's final landing position and the designated target. Among the five attempts, the three shots with the most consistent carry distances (within 10% variance) were selected for analysis, and the average proximity value was calculated. All tests were conducted at the same driving range location under standardized conditions, including consistent time of day, lighting, temperature, and wind. TrackMan was recalibrated before each session, and a standardized tee height and new Titleist Pro V1 balls.
Iron Club Head Speed
Time Frame: Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session
Iron club head speed was measured using the TrackMan 3 Launch Monitor (TrackMan A/S, Vedbæk, Denmark) to evaluate swing velocity during mid-iron shots. Participants used their own 7-iron club to ensure familiarity and consistency. Testing took place at a standardized driving range, with participants divided into batches of ten. Prior to data collection, each participant performed a supervised dynamic warm-up followed by five warm-up swings using their 7-iron. During testing, participants completed five full-effort swings. Club head speed was defined as the velocity of the club head at the exact moment of ball impact, expressed in miles per hour (mph). The average club head speed was calculated from the three most consistent shots, defined as those within a 10% variance in carry distance. All sessions were conducted at the same location and time of day under stable environmental conditions. The TrackMan device was recalibrated before each use, and standardized tee height and new Titlei
Iron Club Carry Distance
Time Frame: Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session
Iron carry distance was measured using the TrackMan 3 Launch Monitor (TrackMan A/S, Vedbæk, Denmark), a radar-based system commonly employed in golf performance analysis. Each participant used their personal 7-iron club to ensure comfort and familiarity. Testing was conducted at a consistent outdoor driving range setting, with participants grouped in batches of ten. Before testing, a standardized dynamic warm-up was completed under supervision, followed by five warm-up swings using the 7-iron. During the test, each participant performed five full-effort swings. Carry distance was defined as the horizontal distance the ball traveled through the air from the point of impact to its first landing point, measured in yards. For analysis, the average carry distance of the three most consistent shots-those falling within 10% variance in ball flight-was calculated. Testing was carried out at the same time of day under stable weather and lighting conditions to reduce variability.
Iron Club Side Deviation
Time Frame: Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session
Iron side deviation was assessed using the TrackMan 3 Launch Monitor (TrackMan A/S, Vedbæk, Denmark) to determine the lateral accuracy of 7-iron shots. Each participant used their own 7-iron club and performed five full-effort swings following a supervised dynamic warm-up and five preparatory swings. Side deviation was defined as the lateral distance in yards between the ball's landing point and the target line, irrespective of whether the deviation was left or right. For consistency, the three most accurate shots-defined as those with carry distance variation within 10%-were selected, and the average side deviation among them was calculated. Testing was conducted at the same outdoor driving range, in controlled environmental conditions (time of day, lighting, and temperature), and under supervision. Standardized tee height and new Titleist Pro V1 balls were used across all participants. The TrackMan device was recalibrated prior to each testing session to ensure measurement accuracy.
Iron Club Shot Proximity to Target
Time Frame: Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session
Proximity for iron shots was measured using the TrackMan 3 Launch Monitor (TrackMan A/S, Vedbæk, Denmark) to assess target accuracy during 7-iron play. Each participant used their own 7-iron and performed five full-effort swings toward a designated pin positioned 130 yards away. Following a standardized dynamic warm-up and five warm-up swings, participants proceeded with the test. Proximity was defined as the straight-line distance from the ball's landing point to the center of the intended target. The three most accurate shots-based on consistent ball flight and carry distance within 10% variance-were selected, and their average proximity was calculated in yards. All tests were conducted at the same outdoor driving range under consistent environmental conditions (lighting, temperature, time of day), using new Titleist Pro V1 balls and fixed tee height. Testing was supervised by trained staff, and the TrackMan system was recalibrated before each session to ensure data precision.
Secondary Outcomes
- Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion (Weight-Bearing Lunge Test)(Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session)
- Hip Flexion Range of Motion (Active, 90° Knee Flexion)(Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before the intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after the final SMR session)
- Hip External Rotation Range of Motion (Active, Seated, 90° Hip and Knee Flexion)(Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session)
- Thoracic Spine Rotation Range of Motion (Active, Seated, Pelvis Stabilized)(Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session)
- Shoulder Flexion Range of Motion (Active)(Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before the intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after the final SMR session)
- Shoulder External Rotation Range of Motion (Active, Supine, 90° Abduction)(Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session)
- Wrist Extension Range of Motion (Active, Seated, Neutral Forearm)(Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session)
- Single-Leg Stance Test (Eyes Closed) - Balance Time Measurement(Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after the final SMR session)
- Rotational Medicine Ball Throw Distance (3kg, Standing Side Throw)(Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session)
- Cross-Body Reach Test (High Plank, 30-Second Repetition Count)(Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session)
- One-Repetition Maximum (1RM) Bench Press Test(Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session)
- One-Repetition Maximum (1RM) Back Squat Test(Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session)
- Pull-up Test (Maximal Repetition Count)(Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session)
- Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion (Weight-Bearing Lunge Test)(Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session)
- Hip Flexion Range of Motion (Active, 90° Knee Flexion)(Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before the intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after the final SMR session)
- Hip External Rotation Range of Motion (Active, Seated, 90° Hip and Knee Flexion)(Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session)
- Thoracic Spine Rotation Range of Motion (Active, Seated, Pelvis Stabilized)(Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session)
- Shoulder Flexion Range of Motion (Active)(Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before the intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after the final SMR session)
- Shoulder External Rotation Range of Motion (Active, Supine, 90° Abduction)(Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session)
- Wrist Extension Range of Motion (Active, Seated, Neutral Forearm)(Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session)
- Single-Leg Stance Test (Eyes Closed) - Balance Time Measurement(Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after the final SMR session)
- Rotational Medicine Ball Throw Distance (3kg, Standing Side Throw)(Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session)
- Cross-Body Reach Test (High Plank, 30-Second Repetition Count)(Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session)
- One-Repetition Maximum (1RM) Bench Press Test(Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session)
- One-Repetition Maximum (1RM) Back Squat Test(Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session)
- Pull-up Test (Maximal Repetition Count)(Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session)
Investigators
Yang Qi
Doctoral Researcher, Department of Sports Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia
Universiti Putra Malaysia