Skeletal muscle index modulates the reduction of aortic pressure augmentation after foam rolling.

In 30 seconds

This randomized crossover study examined acute vascular responses to foam rolling in 26 men and women aged 22–62 years, comparing 20 minutes of foam rolling with sham control on separate days. Foam rolling reduced aortic augmentation index at 10 minutes (P < 0.001) and 30 minutes (P = 0.021), and reduced reflection magnitude at 10 minutes (P < 0.001); time to reflection was unchanged. Higher skeletal muscle index was associated with greater reductions in augmentation index and reflection magnitude at 10 minutes, including after adjustment for age, sex, and BMI.

Key findings

• Aortic augmentation index fell after foam rolling at 10 minutes (P < 0.001) and 30 minutes (P = 0.021).
• Reflection magnitude decreased at 10 minutes (P < 0.001), while time to reflection did not change.
• Skeletal muscle index correlated with reductions in augmentation index (r = -0.45, P = 0.021) and reflection magnitude (r = -0.41, P = 0.049) at 10 minutes.

Why it matters

The findings suggest that foam rolling can transiently alter aortic pressure augmentation, apparently through reduced wave-reflection magnitude rather than a change in reflection timing. The association with skeletal muscle index indicates that acute vascular responses may vary with body composition. These results add physiological evidence about a short-term response, but do not establish effects on clinical cardiovascular outcomes.

What to keep in mind

The study assessed acute responses only, with measurements through 30 minutes after intervention, in a sample of 26 participants.