PNF and Movement 2024; 22(3): 369-378
https://doi.org/10.21598/JKPNFA.2024.22.3.369
Immediate Rehabilitative Effects of Vibrating Foam Rollers on Muscle Activations and Balance Performance in Healthy Young Adults
Su-kyoung Jung, P.T., Bsc.1†⋅Sang-Hyeong Ko, M.D., M.A.2⋅Su-Jin Hwang, P.T., Ph.D.1,3
1Graduate School of Health and Welfare, Baekseok University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
2Gwangju365 Rehabilitation Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
3Department of Physical Therapy, Division of Health Science, Baekseok University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea.
Correspondence to: †Su-kyoung Jung (goo5231@naver.com)
Received: September 22, 2024; Revised: October 29, 2024; Accepted: October 29, 2024; Published online: December 31, 2024.
© Korea Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Association. All rights reserved.

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a vibrating foam roller affects hamstring muscle flexibility, muscle thickness, and balance in healthy young adults.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 32 healthy young adults who were subjected to three experimental conditions: no application, application of a regular foam roller, and application of a vibrating foam roller. We measured three clinical outcomes using a star movement test, a standing and reaching flexibility test, and a five-times sit-to-stand test (5TSS) at baseline and following the two types of foam roller application. We also conducted ultrasound imaging to measure the participants’ muscle masses.
Results: The 5TSS scores were 7.66 ± 1.98 s for the no application condition, 6.61 ± 1.49 s for the standard foam roller condition, and 6.69 ± 1.47 s for the vibrating foam roller condition. Y-balance scores were 65.97 ± 9.46 cm for the no-application condition, 68.97 ± 10.03 cm for the standard foam roller condition, and 69.60 ± 9.72 cm for the vibrating foam roller condition. The stand-to-reach test scores were 3.45 ± 12.61 cm for the no application condition, 6.44 ± 11.57 cm for the standard foam roller condition, and 7.66 ± 11.56 cm for the vibrating foam roller condition. Thus, there was significant improvement following the application of a vibrating foam compared to no application. The regular foam roller significantly improved the 5TSS and stand-to-reach scores but not the Y-balance scores.
Conclusion: This study confirmed that applying a foam roller, with or without vibration, improved flexibility and balance without affecting the physiological properties of the muscles. Thus, foam rollers with or without vibration positively affect the hamstring muscle flexibility, muscle thickness, and balance of healthy young adults.
Keywords: Flexibility; Muscle; Postural balance; Strength; Vibration

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