Influence of an Acute Bout of Self-Myofascial Release on Knee Extension Force Output and Electro-Mechanical Activation of the Quadriceps

BACKGROUND: In contrast to static stretching (SS), previous research has demonstrated increases in flexibility after an acute bout of self-myofascial release (SMR) without any subsequent decreases in force output. Previous research has utilized measures of surface electromyography (sEMG) and mechanomyography (MMG) to examine the influence of SS on the electrical and mechanical processes of muscle activation, respectively. However, there is a lack of research examining the potential changes in electro-mechanical muscle activation post-SMR. PURPOSE: To examine the influence of SMR, via an acute bout of foam rolling (FR) to the vastus lateralis (VL), on the expression of knee extension force output and the inter-muscular electro-mechanical activation of the quadriceps musculature. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized crossover trial. METHODS: ) musculature. RESULTS: within the SMR protocol among males, but no change among females. No statistically significant changes in any electro-mechanical muscle activation measures were identified pre-to-post-SMR within either sex. CONCLUSION: In contrast to the SS literature body, these results suggest that SMR does not influence the electro-mechanical aspects of muscle activation during MVICs. These results provide support for the absence of decreases in force output post-SMR, but further examination regarding the potential muscle mass influence of SMR on electro-mechanical muscle function remains warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2c.