A Comparison of the Pressure Exerted on Soft Tissue by 2 Myofascial Rollers

Context: Self-myofascial release (SMR) is it technique used to treat myofascial restrictions and restore soft-tissue extensibility. Purpose: To determine whether the pressure and contact area on the lateral thigh differ between a Multilevel rigid roller (MRR) and a Bio-Foam roller (BFR) for participants performing SMR. Participants: Tell healthy young men and women. Methods: Participants performed an SMR technique on the lateral thigh using both myofascial rollers. Thin-film pressure sensels recorded pressure and contact area during each SMR trial. Results: Mean sensel pressure exerted on the Soft tissue of the lateral thigh by the MRR (51.8 +/- 10.7 KPa) was significantly (P <.001) greater than that of the conventional BFR (33.4 +/- 6.4 kPa). Mean contact area of the MRR (47.0 +/- 16.1 cm(2)) was significantly (P <.005) less than that of the BFR (68.4 +/- 25.3 cm(2)). Conclusion: The significantly higher pressure and isolated contact area with the MRR suggest a potential benefit in SMR.