The effects of vibration foam roller applied to hamstring on the quadriceps electromyography activity and hamstring flexibility

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of vibration foam roller (VFR) applied to the hamstring, on the quadriceps electromyography (EMG) activity and hamstring flexibility. A total of 16 subjects were randomly assigned to either the VFR group (n = 8) or the nonvibration foam roller group (NVFR, n= 8). The two groups applied the foam roller or the VFR to the dominant hamstring, at a rate of 40 times per min, for a total of 200 times in 5 min. The primary outcome was to measure hamstring extensibility using the sit and reach test. The EMG activity of the dominant rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), and vastus medialis (VM) was measured as the secondary outcome. Results indicate a significant increase in the sit and reach distance after the intervention in both groups, as compared to preintervention. The sit and reach difference between VFR and NVFR show no significant difference after the inter-vention. Significant increases were observed after intervention in the %maximum voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC) of VL, VM, and RF in the VFR group, and RF in the NVFR group, as compared to the preintervention values. Furthermore, %MVIC values of VL and RF, but not the VM muscle, were significantly different between the two groups. These findings suggest that regardless of vibration, the application of foam roller to hamstring may exert a positive effect on hamstring flexibility. Furthermore, these results indicate that the application of foam roller with vibrations causes more EMG activation in the antagonists.

Immediate Effect of Vibrating Foam Roller on the EMG Amplitude of Muscle Hamstring of Healthy Subject with Hamstring Tightness

“…Whereas in the NVFR group, an increase in% MVIC was only found in the rectus femoris muscle. Comparison between groups showed that the difference in% MVIC was only found in the VL group and the rectus femoris 6 .…”

“…The study of Lim et al (2019) who reported application of foam rolling to the hamstring muscles for 5 minutes (1 minute rolling, 30 sec rest) resulted in an increase in% MVIC of vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and rectus femoris muscles which is the antagonist of hamstring muscle in the VFR group. Whereas in the NVFR group, an increase in% MVIC was only found in the rectus femoris muscle.…”

“…Shortening of the hamstring muscles can cause misalignment of the trunks, reduce neuromuscular efficiency, increase energy expenditure and give excessive strain to the knee joint 6 . In athletes' populations, limitation of hamstring flexibility can produce musculoskeletal symptoms such as reduced strength, stability and muscle endurance.…”

Mechanical Percussion Devices: A Survey of Practice Patterns Among Healthcare Professionals

“…Researchers have reported similar post-treatment acute increases in ROM but insignificant changes in muscle performance after the vibrating roller intervention. 15,16 Other research on local vibration therapy has reported improvements in maximum isometric forces, ROM, and muscle performance when used as part of a traditional training program. 1,2 Peer et al reported local vibration therapy produced acute improvements in ROM and muscle stiffness compared to ice, compression and elevation following a hamstring or ankle soft tissue injury.…”

The Recovery Benefit on Skin Blood Flow Using Vibrating Foam Rollers for Postexercise Muscle Fatigue in Runners

“…Vibration stimulation stimulates Golgi's keys, inhibits muscle contraction, and promotes muscle relaxation. Studies involving VRs show that VRs also increase the flexibility of muscles and the angle of joint movement and reduce pain [19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27].…”