Effects of Warm-Up with Foam Rolling on Sport Performance: a Systematic Review on the Use Of Smooth and Textured Foam Rollers

Lim, Yi Jane (2021) Effects of Warm-Up with Foam Rolling on Sport Performance: a Systematic Review on the Use Of Smooth and Textured Foam Rollers. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University College.

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Abstract

Foam Roller (FR) is well-known to be part of pre-rolling that is able to enhance sport performance and flexibility whereas post rolling activity acts as a recovery tool. Apparently, research does indicate the acute effects of foam roller but not emphasizing the effects of different types of foam roller used during warm up or as pre-rolling on performance variables. The objective was to investigate the effects of using different types of foam roller [smooth (SMH) vs. textured (TXD)] that have a greater beneficial effect during warm-up on sport performance. A search strategy was conducted using the TARUC’s library catalogue, Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and Medline search engines. A total of 23 articles met the inclusion criteria (SMH FR= 14; TXD FR=9). All the included studies were published from the year of 2013 until the year of 2020. The majority either SMH or TXD FR did not improve athletic performance, but at the same time, did not impede various force and power outcome measures unless there is a prolonged FR duration being implemented. FR does shows improvement in flexibility with the usage of SMH and TXD FR. SMH FR is advised to be used for warm up especially for new user in combination of dynamic stretching to improve muscular strength, sprint and muscular power performance, whereas, the used of TXD FR is mainly for flexibility. It is recommended to use SMH FR if were to gain benefits in both flexibility and muscular power performance, while TXD FR in both flexibility and sprint performance as pre-rolling protocol at a particular session. In conclusion, FR should be used in combination with dynamic stretching and active warm-up before a training session.