Degree Name
Master of Science
Department or Program
Kinesiology
Advisor
Becque, Daniel, M.
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of foam rolling and static stretching on the hamstrings isokinetic force production as well as knee joint range of motion. Eleven healthy, moderately experienced, male college students participated in the study. It was hypothesized that foam rolling and static stretching would both see significant improvements in range of motion. Static stretching was also believed to have decreases in force production while foam rolling would stay relatively the same. Two treatments, static stretching and foam rolling, were established for within participants pretests and posttests. Both treatments were 5 minutes. Results showed static stretching had a significant increase in flexibility for pretest and posttest (p = .0011, F (1,10) = 20.643). Foam rolling had a significant increase in flexibility as well (p = .0055, F (1,10) = 12.441). A significant decrease in isokinetic peak torque was found for the static stretching treatment pretest and posttest (p = .0186, F (1,10) = 7.872). There was no significant difference in the foam rolling treatment pretest and posttest (p = .7065, F (1,10) = .150). In conclusion, foam rolling can improve flexibility with no decrements in peak force production.