The Short-Term Effect of Myofascial Relaxation by Roller Massage on Ankle Joint Range of Motion in Older Adults

Purpose: The flexibility of the fascia is reduced with aging, due to degenerative changes in the connective tissue. The aim of this study is to compare the acute effects of roller massager application on the ankle joint range of motion in healthy older adults. Methods: Fifty-two community-dwelling older adults who could walk without using ancillary equipment were divided into 2 groups of equal numbers with a table of random numbers. The first group was warmed for 5 minutes, followed by 3 sets of 60-second ankle plantar flexors, while the second group after warmed for 5 minutes was rested for the same period. Active ankle dorsiflexion range of motion was recorded before, after application, 10 minutes and 20 minutes after application, with the mobile goniometer. Results: The mean age of the subjects participating in the study was 71.23 ± 4.70 years and the mean body mass index was 30.52 ± 4.43 kg/m2. Before application, there was a statistically significant difference in dorsiflexion angles of the groups (P = .013). In the control group, the first measurement and between measurements had no statistically difference (P = .301) and the angle of dorsiflexion increased statistically significant when the initial and subsequent measurements of the roller massager group were compared (P = .000). Significant differences were noted in the roller massage group when compared with baseline (P = .000), 10 minutes (P = .000), and 20 minutes (P = .006). Discussion: In this study, in older adults, the roller massager is effective acutely and this effect is maintained for up to 20 minutes. It has been shown that older adults can be included in physiotherapy programs to increase joint motion. New researches are needed for long-term results.