A comparison of the pressure exerted on soft tissue by 2 myofascial rollers.

Context: Self-myofascial release (SMR) is a technique used to treat myofascial restrictions and restore soft-tissue extensibility.

Purpose: To determine whether the pressure and contact area on the lateral thigh differ between a Multilevel rigid roller (MRR) and a Bio-Foam roller (BFR) for participants performing SMR.

Participants: Ten healthy young men and women.

Methods: Participants performed an SMR technique on the lateral thigh using both myofascial rollers. Thin-film pressure sensels recorded pressure and contact area during each SMR trial.

Results: Mean sensel pressure exerted on the soft tissue of the lateral thigh by the MRR (51.8 +/- 10.7 kPa) was significantly (P < .001) greater than that of the conventional BFR (33.4 +/- 6.4 kPa). Mean contact area of the MRR (47.0 +/- 16.1 cm2) was significantly (P < .005) less than that of the BFR (68.4 +/- 25.3 cm2).

Conclusion: The significantly higher pressure and isolated contact area with the MRR suggest a potential benefit in SMR.