Graduate Program

Kinesiology and Sports Studies

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

2013

Thesis Director

John R. Storsved

Thesis Committee Member

Brian L. Pritschet

Thesis Committee Member

Lee Ann Price

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify if using a foam roller on the hamstring muscles would have positive effects and in tum increase hamstring flexibility. Hamstring injuries are prevalent in sports today. Lack of flexibility is seen as a possible cause for these injuries, so this study focused on a potential way of increasing hamstring flexibility. Self-induced myofascial release, using a foam roller, was the type of intervention used to try to have an effect on hamstring muscle flexibility. The use of a foam roller is becoming a popular tool utilized in many settings but there has been little research done on the benefits of this tool.

Eighteen college students from a weight training class participated in this four week study. Eight participants were in the control group, while ten participants used the foam roller two times per week for the four weeks study. Participants used the foam roller for three to five minutes each time they rolled out.

The sit-and-reach method was used before and after the four week study to determine hamstring flexibility. Each participant completed three trials for the sit-and-reach test and the average score was calculated from their trials. Paired t test analysis was used to determine the relationship between the control group and the myofacial foam rolling group in relation to hamstring flexibility. A p value of .05 was used to analyze the data.

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