Acute Effects of Foam Rolling on the Contractile Properties of Back Muscles in Active and Sedentary Women

Abstract

Background. Foam rolling, a form of myofascial release, is widely used in sport, physical therapy, and ftness to address muscle tightness, improve performance, and enhance recovery. Tensiomyography (TMG) provides valuable insights into muscle properties in active and sedentary women. Aim. To evaluate the acute effect of foam rolling on the contractile properties of the back muscles as measured by TMG and to compare the responses between active and sedentary women. Methods. Sixteen healthy women (22.00 ± 0.55 years), eight active and eight sedentary, participated in this study. Participants performed a single 15-minute foam rolling session targeting erector spinae and trapezius muscles. Muscle contractile properties: maximal radial displacement (Dm) and contraction time (Tc), were assessed using TMG before and immediately after intervention. Results. In sedentary women, Tc decreased in the left upper (p = 0.03) and lower trapezius (p = 0.01), while Dm improved in the lower left trapezius (p = 0.003) and right erector spinae (p = 0.03). In active women, Tc decreased in the right upper trapezius (p = 0.03) and the right erector spinae (p = 0.01), with improvements in Dm in the left upper (p = 0.001), left lower (p = 0.03), and right lower trapezius (p = 0.04). Between groups, Tc reduction in the right erector spinae was greater in active women (p = 0.08). Conclusions. Foam rolling improved contraction time and reduced stiffness of the back muscles in both groups; however, mechanical improvements were superior in active women. Keywords: back muscles; contractile properties; foam rolling; tensiomyography; TMG