Cross transfer acute effects of foam rolling with vibration on ankle dorsiflexion range of motion

INTRODUCTION: Foam roller is a device used as a massage intervention for rehabilitation and fitness performance. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects on the ankle dorsiflexion mobility of the foam roller as well as the combination of foam roller and vibration applied to the ankle plantarflexors muscles, and to observe the possible cross-effect. METHODS: Thirty-eight undergraduate students participated in the study (19 males and 19 females). This study investigated. Three conditions (3 sets of 20 s) were performed in a randomized order (independent variables): 1) foam roller (Roller), 2) foam roller and vibration (Roller+VIB), and 3) no foam roller or vibration (Control). to determine whether of foam roller with or without vibration would benefit ankle dorsiflexion mobility. Ankle dorsiflexion ROM and plantar flexor were measured in both legs before and immediately after the treatment. RESULTS: A cross-effect was found in the non-stimulated leg. There was a significant effect on ankle mobility of Roller and Roller+VIB conditions (6% and 7%, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Foam roller massage and vibration stimulus’ foam roller massage increase ankle mobility producing a cross-effect.