The Effect Of Foam Rolling On Pulse Wave Velocity

Abstract

Introduction: This thesis is part of a larger study on the effect of foam rolling on several variables. This thesis specifically discusses the effect of foam rolling on pulse wave velocity. Foam rolling is becoming an increasingly popular form of self-myofascial release, which may have an effect on autonomic function. Pulse wave velocity is a measure of arterial stiffness, which can indicate the possibility of a cardiovascular event to occur. Arterial stiffness is affected by autonomic function. Foam rolling may be able to affect arterial stiffness via the autonomic nervous system. The purpose of this study is to determine if foam rolling has an effect on pulse wave velocity, a measure of arterial stiffness. Methods: There were 40 participants, both male and female, randomly placed in either the foam rolling condition (FR) or control condition (CON). Pulse wave velocity was measured in both conditions once each day for eight days. Those in the foam rolling condition foam rolled the quadriceps, hamstrings, gastrocnemius, medial thigh, iliotibial band, and gluteus each for 60 seconds per leg every day after pulse wave velocity measures were taken. A two-tailed Mann Whitney U test was used to compare the change from the baseline area under the curve between FR and CON. Results: The results concluded that there was no significant difference in pulse wave velocity measures between the foam rolling and control conditions (p > 0.05). Discussion: This research suggests that foam rolling does not influence pulse wave velocity 24 hours after a bout of foam rolling. Further research is necessary to determine the amount of time necessary to see an effect on pulse wave velocity.