DOI: 10.1249/tjx.0000000000000399 ISSN: 2379-2868

Acute Effects of Self-Myofascial Release on Shoulder Rotator Torque and Work Outcomes in Female Collegiate Athletes

Guilherme M. Cesar, Andrew L. Shim, Nicole M. Jones, Ian Bonder
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Introduction:

Self-myofascial release (SMR) is widely used to relieve muscle tension, improve flexibility, and enhance recovery. However, its potential to improve muscular strength remains underexplored. The purpose of this study was to examine whether a brief SMR intervention could acutely enhance shoulder rotational strength in collegiate female athletes.

Methods:

Forty-six female volleyball athletes (age: 20 ± 1.5 yr) completed a 2-min SMR protocol using a massage ball targeting rotator cuff muscles at moderate intensity. Internal and external rotation peak torque and work were assessed in 90° abduction using an isokinetic dynamometer before and after the intervention. Paired-samples t tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests for normally and nonnormally distributed variables detected pre–post differences in the absolute variables, and effect sizes were calculated to demonstrate the magnitude of differences postintervention.

Results:

Internal rotation torque increased from 25.70 ± 9.85 to 29.54 ± 9.86 N·m ( Z = −4.56; P < 0.001; r = 0.67), and external rotation torque increased from 13.65 ± 5.53 to 15.15 ± 6.71 N·m ( Z = −3.09; P = 0.002; r = 0.46). Internal rotation work increased from 21.43 ± 11.67 to 25.24 ± 11.90 kg·m 2 ·s −2 (95% confidence interval: −5.41 to −2.20; P < 0.001; d = 0.71), and external rotation work increased from 9.57 ± 4.92 to 11.04 ± 6.15 kg·m 2 ·s −2 (95% confidence interval: −2.32 to −0.63; P < 0.001; d = 0.68).

Conclusions:

A short-duration SMR protocol targeting rotator cuff muscles may produce acute increases in shoulder rotational strength. Our preliminary findings suggest SMR may serve as an efficient preperformance strategy for overhead athletes seeking immediate strength enhancement.

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