The Effect of an Acute Bout of Foam Rolling on Running Economy

Authors

Lauren M. Biscardi, George Mason UniversityFollow
Brian D. Wright, George Mason UniversityFollow
Debra A. Stroiney, George Mason UniversityFollow

Abstract

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 2: Issue 1, Article 4, 2021. This study examined the impact of pre-exercise foam rolling on running economy at 5 km race pace. Sixteen trained distance runners (31.5±12.2 yr; V̇O_2max 53.6±11.0) volunteered for the study. Participants completed two treadmill runs at self-selected 5 km race pace; one session with the use of pre-exercise foam rolling and the other with a controlled rest period prior to the run. Running economy was improved during the session with pre-exercise foam rolling applied (t(15)=2.48, p=.026, d=.62). These findings provide evidence for the acute effects of pre-run foam rolling on a parameter of running performance. These results also support the use of foam rolling as a warm-up strategy prior to a high intensity run. Future studies are needed to determine the underlying mechanisms behind the observed improvement.

Repository Citation

Biscardi, Lauren M.; Wright, Brian D.; and Stroiney, Debra A. (2021) "The Effect of an Acute Bout of Foam Rolling on Running Economy," Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology: Vol. 2: Iss. 1, Article 4.
Available at: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/scholarship_kin/vol2/iss1/4