The Immediate Effects of Foam Rolling and Stretching on Iliotibial Band Stiffness: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Talin M Pepper, Jean-Michel Brismée, Phillip S Sizer and 4 others
PMID 34123517WHAT IT FOUND
Neither foam rolling nor stretching changed iliotibial band stiffness immediately after a single session in healthy adults.
A tiny increase in hip range of motion appeared in all groups, including those who did nothing, so neither treatment reduced tissue tension.
Key findings
01A single session of foam rolling or stretching did not alter iliotibial band or tensor fascia latae stiffness at neutral or 10 degrees of hip adduction.
02Hip adduction passive range of motion increased by 0.8 degrees immediately post-intervention, but this occurred across all groups including the control, with no significant difference between interventions.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
The study included only healthy young adults, so results may not apply to patients with active iliotibial band syndrome or older populations. Only a single session was tested, so it is unknown if multiple sessions over weeks would produce stiffness changes. The small increase in range of motion occurred in the control group too, making it difficult to attribute any functional benefit to the interventions. Measurements were taken immediately after intervention, so any delayed effects were not captured.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret the 0.8-degree increase in hip range of motion as evidence that these treatments improve flexibility. The same small change occurred in the group that received no intervention, indicating it was likely measurement error rather than a treatment effect.