Acute effects of vibration foam rolling on the explosive strength properties of the plantarflexors during maximal isometric contraction

BACKGROUND: Foam roller with vibration is a recent development and its implementation has not yet been provided with a sufficient scientific justification. Information on whether an implementation of vibration foam rolling for self-massage before the powerful muscular activities is a good strategy is scarce. OBJECTIVE: Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the acute effects of a single 15-s and 60-s vibrating foam rolling treatment on muscle contractile properties during maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). METHODS: Twenty healthy and recreationally active subjects participated in this study. During first visit, baseline characteristics were collected, while on the second and third visit they performed a 15-s and a 60-s vibration foam rolling treatment, respectively. Their maximal force (F)max and rate of force development (RFDmax) were assessed using the MVIC of plantarflexors. RESULTS: The RFDmax was negatively affected (p⩽ 0.05) after the 15-s treatment and 60-s treatment, staying reduced even after 10-min of recovery. No significant effects were observed for Fmax. CONCLUSIONS: When implementing vibration foam rolling, either as a pre-workout activity or as a pre-competition treatment, caution should be taken. Short duration treatment should be avoided for activities were RFDmax has a significant impact on performance.