Effects of Differing Foam Rolling Periods on Training Volume and Myoelectric Responses of Lower-Body Muscles

Santana, HG, Paz, GA, Willardson, JM, de Araujo Farias, D, and Miranda, H. Effects of differing foam rolling periods on training volume and myoelectric responses of lower-body muscles. J Strength Cond Res 36(12): 3311-3318, 2022-Foam rolling (FR) is a practice that has increased in popularity before and after resistance training. The purpose of this study was to compare the acute effects of different foam rolling periods for the lower body muscles on subsequent performance, myoelectric activity and rating of perceived exertion in trained men. Fourteen men (26.2 +/- 3.2 years, 178 +/- 0.04 cm, 82.2 +/- 10 kg and body mass index 25.9 +/- 3.3kg/m(-2)) volunteered for this study. Four repetition maximum (4-RM) loads were determined for hexagonal bar deadlift and 45 degrees-angled leg press during test and retest sessions over two nonconsecutive days. The experimental conditions included a traditional protocol (TP) with no prior foam rolling, and four other conditions that involved FR applied to the quadriceps, hamstrings and triceps surae for one set of 30 sec (P1), two sets of 30 sec (P2), three sets of 30 sec (P3), or four sets of 30 sec (P4).The resistance training consisted of five sets with 4-RM loads. The number of repetitions completed, the myoelectric activity of lower limbs were recorded, as well as the rating of perceived exertion for each protocol. There were no differences between the protocols in the total repetitions for the hexagonal bar deadlift and 45 degrees angled leg press exercises. Similar results between protocols were also noted for muscle activity and rated perceived exertion (RPE). Therefore, the results of the present study indicated that the FR didn't provide effects on performance, myoelectric activity and rating of perceived exertion responses during high intensity resistance performance for lower limb exercises.