Work

Assessment of long-term effects of foam rolling on the pressure pain thresholds: a randomized controlled trial

Year: 2026

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: Introduction Foam rolling is widely employed as a self-administered approach to manage musculoskeletal symptoms, with analgesia as a primary therapeutic target. Despite its popularity, the mechanisms and magnitude of its influence on pain perception remain incompletely characterized. Accordingly, this study investigated the long-term effects of daily foam rolling on local and distal pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) in pain-free individuals. Method Sixty healthy adults were randomly allocated to either an intervention group that performed unilateral foam rolling of the lateral thigh twice daily for 5 min per session over 28 consecutive days, or a non-intervention control group. PPT was assessed at baseline, immediately before and after the initial foam-rolling session, and subsequently at weekly intervals. Measurements were obtained at three standardized anatomical sites on both the treated and contralateral (non-treated) limbs. Results At baseline, groups did not differ in sociodemographic characteristics or in prior experience with, and expectations of, foam rolling (p > 0.05). Primary analyses revealed no between-group differences in PPTs on either the treated or contralateral side, no time-by-group effects for the acute rolling response, and no differences in pre- or post-rolling PPTs from baseline to week 4 (all p > 0.05). However, within the intervention group, pain intensity reported during foam rolling decreased over 4 weeks (p < 0.001). Conclusion Daily foam rolling produced no detectable sustained analgesic effects on PPTs, irrespective of the stimulation site. Accordingly, long-term foam-rolling effects cannot be attributed to local or widespread changes in pressure sensitivity.

Source: Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies

DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2026.09.017

Authors: Tibor M. Szikszay, Gabriela F. Carvalho, Annika Lehmann, Phillip Thies, Annika Schwarz

Institutions: University of Lübeck, Furtwangen University, Hochschule Bremen

Language: English

Topic: Myofascial pain diagnosis and treatment

Subfield: Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,070