Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2019; 23(S 01): S1-S6
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1687708
Scientific Presentations and Posters
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Evaluation of Tissue Stiffness in Athletes with Different Experience in Foam Rolling Assessed by Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Elastography

Rafael Heiss
1   Department of Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
,
Isabell Mayer
2   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander- University, Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany
,
Moritz Huettel
2   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander- University, Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany
,
Christoph Lutter
3   Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Sportsorthopedics and Sportsmedicine, Klinikum Bamberg, Germany
,
Raimund Forst
2   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander- University, Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany
,
Matthias Hoppe
4   Department of Movement and Training Science, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
5   Department of Orthopedic, Trauma and Hand Surgery, Klinikum Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
,
Jürgen Freiwald
4   Department of Movement and Training Science, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
,
Frank W. Roemer
1   Department of Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
,
Thilo Hotfiel
2   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander- University, Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
28 March 2019 (online)

Also available at
 
 

    Introduction: Self-myofascial release using foam rolling (FR) has become increasingly popular in the prevention and recovery of muscle trauma and overuse. Its effects on tissue regarding changes in stiffness properties are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of FR on muscle and ligament stiffness using acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography.

    Material and Methods: ARFI-based elastography (Acuson S2000 Ultrasound System, Siemens Healthineers, Erlangen, Germany) was performed in 40 volunteers (20 with > 6 months of experience in FR and 20 without any experience) before and several times (0, 30, 60, and 120 minutes, and 12 and 24 hours) after a standardized FR exercise of the lateral thigh. The exercise protocol consisted of four sets, each with 45 seconds of FR on the lateral thigh in the sagittal plane. Tissue stiffness was assessed at the lateral thigh (vastus lateralis muscle [VL], vastus intermedius [VM], and distal insertion of the iliotibial band [ITB]).

    Results: Tissue stiffness of the ITB revealed a significant decrease of 13% in experienced athletes at 30 minutes postintervention (p = 0.002). In inexperienced athletes, a 6% increase of stiffness was found at 30 minutes postintervention at ITB that was not significantly different than baseline (p = 0.16); no significant changes occurred at later time points at ITB. For VLM and VM, no significant changes were detected at any time point in both groups.

    Conclusion: A significant short-term decrease of connective tissue stiffness in athletes experienced with FR is detectable with ARFI. Athletes’ experience in FR is relevant, emphasizing necessary training before successful application.


    #

    No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).