Effect of calf foam rolling on lower limb functional performance in recreational athletes.

BACKGROUND: Tightness of the calf muscles is frequent among athletes and associated with decreased motion, decreased performance, and likely increased risk of injury to the lower limb. Although there is a strong body of evidence to support traditional approaches to tight musculature, such as static and dynamic stretching and manual therapy, there is limited research examining the effects of self-myofascial release (SMR) using foam rolling specifically on the calf muscles.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of calf foam rolling on lower limb functional performance in recreational athletes.

STUDY DESIGN: A randomized control trial (RCT) design will be employed.

METHODOLOGY: Recreational athletes meeting the inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group (calf foam rolling with self-stretching) or a control group (calf self-stretching). The intervention will utilize a standardized foam rolling with calf self-stretching protocol, specially targeting the calf complex. Pre- and post-intervention outcomes include lower limb functional performance measures (the single hop test, the triple hop test, and the 30-second side hop test).