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Date of Award

Summer 2025

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Department or Program Affiliation

Kinesiology

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Health and Human Development

First Advisor

San Juan, Jun G.

Second Advisor

Suprak, David N. (David Nathan)

Third Advisor

Brilla, Lorraine R., 1955-

Abstract

Fascia connects adjacent muscles to create a body-wide network, allowing manipulation of one segment to affect a distal body segment. Research has shown that performing a bout of self-myofascial release (SMR) on the plantar fascia with a foam rolling device acutely increases hamstring flexibility. Thus far, there has been no research examining the mechanism of action underlying this effect, although it is hypothesized to occur due to an interaction of mechanical, neural, and physiological factors. The purpose of this study is to examine the acute effects of a bout of SMR on the plantar fascia on hamstring stiffness, flexibility, hydration, and joint position sense (JPS). Seventeen healthy postmenopausal participants were recruited for this repeated measures study. A myotonometer measured biceps femoris stiffness, bioelectrical impedance (BIA) was used to estimate total body water concentrations, a JPS test was administered to assess proprioception, and a passive straight leg raise (PSLR) test measured hamstring flexibility in a foam rolling condition (FR) and a no-foam rolling condition (NFR). Results from separate repeated-measures ANOVA tests revealed a significant interaction for condition and time for both stiffness (p < 0.001, η2p = 0.543) and flexibility (p < 0.001, η2p = 0.564). There were no significant interactions or main effects for JPS and BIA measurements. The increase in hamstring flexibility aligns with previous findings. The significant increase in hamstring stiffness was unexpected, warranting further research into the contractile activity of myofibroblasts.

Type

Text

Keywords

fascia, superior back line, self-myofascial release, joint position sense, stiffness, myofibroblast, plantar fascia

Publisher

Western Washington University

OCLC Number

1530410130

Subject – LCSH

Hamstring muscle--Mechanical properties; Hamstring muscle--Physiology; Fasciae (Anatomy)--Physiological aspects; Fasciae (Anatomy)--Mechanical properties; Connective tissues--Physiology; Connective tissues--Mechanical properties; Massage therapy--Physiological aspects; Foam rollers (Exercise equipment); Muscles--Motility; Myofibroblasts--Physiology; Proprioception--Measurement

Format

application/pdf

Genre/Form

masters theses

Language

English

Rights

Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.

Rights Statement

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NKC/1.0/

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