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Training & movement

C · Interpret with caution

Foam rolling plus stretching: more effect than either alone?

Subject: Foam rolling combined with stretching

What this means

Foam rolling combined with stretching increased range of motion more than doing nothing. Compared with stretching alone or foam rolling alone, there was no clear difference.

Konrad A, Nakamura M, Bernsteiner D, Tilp M · 2021 · Journal of Sports Science and Medicine 20(3):535-545

What does this rating mean?

Limited, mixed or hard-to-translate evidence. Useful as direction, not as a rule.

Findings

The combined effect of foam rolling and stretching on range of motion and performance.

What to keep in mind

The abstract gives no number of studies or participants. For performance, the combination had only a small extra effect when foam rolling came before stretching.

Practical conclusion for REZA

Foam rolling isn't presented as a necessary component. Anyone who finds it useful can do it.

View method and source

Methodology

Systematic review with meta-analysis

Original source

DOI: 10.52082/jssm.2021.535 · PMID: 34267594

View on PubMed →

This information is general education about scientific research. It is not personal medical advice and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a doctor or other healthcare professional. If you have symptoms, a medical condition or take medication, consult your GP or treating professional before changing your training or nutrition.