Knowledge and perception of competitive athletes on self myofascial release therapy by foam roller

Recently, foam rolling has become a popular technique for professional and non-professional athletes as a self-myofascial release (SMR). One study showed the foam roller used in SMR has become accessible for domestic users with little experience, limited awareness of their body, and a lack of basic knowledge of how the treatment works. Therefore, it would be prudent for competitive athletes to possess adequate knowledge and an appropriate attitude about self-myofascial release by foam roller.

This study will determine the knowledge and perception of competitive athletes about the self-myofascial release by foam roller.

A quantitative, cross-sectional, and descriptive study, in which 75 competitive athletes were taken (aged of 18 years and above) from various sports academies and events of Gujarat. A Google survey form was generated and circulated amongst the participants. This questionnaire consisted of 7 knowledge and 10 perception questions. The data were analysed descriptively using frequencies. Descriptive analysis was done using MS-excel 2019.

The result of the study that 49% participants found out about foam roller from physiotherapist. Additionally, 41% participants prefer Grid foam roller. 62% participants considered the foam roller is used in preventing injury, increases flexibility, relieves pain and/or discomfort and also benefits psychological. 92% of participants responded foam roller is useful for self-myofascial release.

This study indicated that competitive athletes who had used foam roller for self-myofascial release had moderate to high knowledge and they had positive perceptions on self-myofascial release therapy by foam roller.