Observation on the therapeutic effect of rolling the target muscle groups of lower limbs with foam rollers of different shore hardness on DOMS.

Am J Clin Exp Immunol 2024;13(6):272-277 www.ajcei.us /ISSN:2164-7712/AJCEI0159359 Original Article Observation on the therapeutic effect of rolling the target muscle groups of lower limbs with foam rollers of different shore hardness on DOMS Yutong Lu1, Wenhui Xue2, Renxin Ji2 University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom; 2University of Shanghai Sanda University, No. 2727, Jinhai Road, Shanghai, China 1 Received July 22, 2024; Accepted December 11, 2024; Epub December 25, 2024; Published December 30, 2024 Abstract: Objective: This experiment aims to explore how foam rollers of different Shore hardness affect DOMS, providing insights for sports therapy. Methods: Forty participants from Shanghai Sanda University who have no habit of strength training, no lower limb injury, and meet the health standards were selected to conduct three experiments under the conditions of no intervention, using a 50 Shore hardness foam roller, and using a 60 Shore hardness foam roller, respectively. Data were recorded before and after modeling, as well as 24, 48, and 72 hours later. Results: There were no significant differences in various indicators among the three groups of subjects before and immediately after DOMS modeling (P>0.05). Following intervention, the 60 Shore hardness foam roller significantly reduced DOMS pain (NRS score) compared to the 50 Shore hardness roller, improved knee flexion range of motion, and increased standing long jump distance (P<0.05). Conclusions: The 60 Shore hardness foam roller is superior to the 50 Shore hardness foam roller in alleviating DOMS, improving joint range of motion, and enhancing athletic performance. Keywords: DOMS, foam rolling, pain, range of motion, athletic performance, shore hardness Introduction Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a transient complaint that generally arises from high-force, lengthening muscle contractions or from novel forms of exercise [1]. Symptoms typically develop 6-12 hours post-exercise, peak at 24-72 hours, and subside over 5-7 days [2]. DOMS tends to be somewhat localized to specific areas, such as the muscle-tendon junctions, which may exhibit increased vulnerability to discomfort and damage [3]. Eccentric exercises, defined by active muscular elongation under tension, are notably efficient in triggering the protective mechanism of DOMS because they provoke a greater extent of muscle microdamage [4]. The intensity of eccentric exercises may influence the severity of DOMS; specifically, highintensity eccentric contractions lead to increased soreness and higher muscular function impairment [5]. Certain research, including Mavropalias, has observed that high-intensity eccentric work results in greater aggravation of DOMS symptoms than low-intensity work, even although the mechanical loads are similar [6, 7]. DOMS is linked to a decline in muscle function, encompassing strength loss, which may need up to 48 hours before recovery commences. Additional physiological activities that may be impaired during this period include anaerobic threshold and heart rate [8]. Treatment modalities for DOMS encompass pharmaceutical interventions, mostly NSAIDs [9], which may alleviate symptoms but also impede long-term muscle development [10]. Non-pharmacological treatments get significant interest; cold compresses represent a relatively novel therapeutic modality, while the lingering effects of phototherapy may become manifest due to its anti-inflammatory properties [11]. Other approaches, including traditional Chinese medicine such as acupuncture and massage, may offer potential advantages [12]; neverthe- https://doi.org/10.62347/BUIX3741 Therapeutic effects of foam roller hardness on lower limb DOMS less, their efficacy when utilized independently is constrained. Foam rolling (FR) has gained significant popularity as a self-myofascial release technique for enhancing recovery of muscles, flexibility, and functionality [13]. Nonetheless, despite inconsistent findings about the augmentation of force production in explosive performance, the technique has been extensively utilized in postexercise recovery owing to its capacity to alleviate muscle soreness while mitigating tension and enhancing neuromuscular function [14]. Findings on the impact of varying degrees of FR hardness on DOMS recovery is scarce. The research initiative will assess the effects of foam rolling on DOMS using several metrics to provide significant empirical evidence for its role in rehabilitation. After completing the exercise modeling, the 40 subjects would undergo no intervention measures. Data would be collected and recorded before the modeling, immediately after the modeling, and at 24, 48, and 72 hours postmodeling, based on the evaluation indicators. Following a washout period (7 days), subjects would repeat the experiment using a 50 Shore A foam roller, and data would be recorded. After another washout period (7 days), subjects would repeat the experiment using a 60 Shore A foam roller, with data recorded accordingly. Outcome measurements Evaluation would be conducted using the Numeric Rating Scale for pain, joint range of motion, and standing long jump distance as indicators. Methods Statistical analysis Subjects In general measurement data, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for intergroup comparisons. For clinical measurement data, repeated measures ANOVA was performed to evaluate the main and interaction effects of time and grouping across all time points before and after the intervention among the three groups. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the control group and the two experimental groups, with post-hoc pairwise comparisons conducted using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) method. Paired t-tests and twotime-point repeated measures ANOVA were applied for comparisons within each group at different time points. Measurement data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (χ±s). Fisher’s exact test was used for categorical data. For data not meeting parametric test assumptions, or for categorical data in ordinal form, non-parametric rank-sum tests were employed. All analyses were performed using SPSS 23.0 statistical software, with a significance level of α=0.05. *P<0.05 indicated statistically significant differences, and **P<0.01 indicated highly statistically significant differences. A total of 40 healthy young subjects currently enrolled at Sanda University of Shanghai were recruited for this study. They were required to have no regular strength training habits in the past year, no history of lower limb sports injuries in the past year, normal sleep for the week prior to the experiment, no participation in intense physical activity for three days before the experiment, and no smoking or drinking for 24 hours before the experiment. All subjects were informed of the study precautions and participated voluntarily. Study design Drawing on previous DOMS inducing exercise proto (...truncated)