Immediate effects of vibration vs. non-vibration foam rolling on biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of knee flexor and extensor muscles in young male recreational athletes: a randomized, controlled, cross-over study

Abstract

This study examined the immediate effects of vibration (VFR) and non-vibration foam rolling (FR) on the biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of the knee flexor and extensor muscles. Thirteen young male recreational athletes (mean age: 21.46±1.45 years) completed three conditions: VFR, FR, and control conditions. Assessments were performed pre- and post-test using the MyotonPro. Regarding the knee flexors, no significant effects were observed for muscle tone, stiffness, elasticity, or relaxation time (p>0.05). Creep increased similarly in both VFR and FR groups (p=0.038). Regarding knee extensors, neither intervention affected muscle tone, elasticity, or relaxation time (p>0.05). Stiffness decreased in both groups, with VFR demonstrating greater efficacy compared to FR (p=0.002). Creep increased similarly in both the VFR and FR groups (p=0.016). Both interventions effectively enhanced the creep of knee flexor and extensor muscles and reduced knee extensor muscle stiffness, whereas VFR demonstrated a superior acute benefit in reducing extensor muscle stiffness.