The effect of a foam roller intervention on the anterior and lateral thigh on gluteal muscle activity in healthy female

Abstract

Objectives: The primary purpose was to compare gluteal muscle activity, mediolateral knee movement during a single leg squat and thoracolumbar side flexion pre- and post-foam roller intervention of the anterior and lateral thigh. Methods: Healthy, active females aged between 18-65 years were invited to participate in the study. Surface electrodes were placed on the gluteus maximus muscles to measure muscle activity before and after foam roller intervention. The foam roller intervention targeted the anterior and lateral thighs. Maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) was established for the gluteal muscle to express the post- intervention measurement as a percentage of the pre-intervention MVIC. Electromyographic (EMG) data were analysed using a root-mean-square algorithm. Qinematic software and a Microsoft Kinect camera were used to capture and analyse mediolateral knee movement during a single-leg squat and thoracolumbar side flexion range of motion. Results: Twenty-seven (median 37(range 35-41) years old) participated in the study. Post-intervention a total of four of the participants had left gluteal activity of MVIC≥100% and five had right gluteal activity of MVIC≥100%. There was no significant difference in mediolateral knee movement between pre-and post-intervention (p<0.05). There was a significant difference between left thoracolumbar side flexion pre- and post-intervention (p=0.027). There was a significant difference between pre- and post- intervention for right thoracolumbar side flexion (p=0.0459). Conclusion: A foam roller intervention of the anterior and lateral thigh increased the thoracolumbar side flexion range of movement. The intervention reduced gluteal muscle activity post-intervention in most participants and did not alter the mediolateral knee movement post-intervention during a single leg squat.