The aim of this study was to compare the acute effects of static stretching and foam rolling on the mobility of hip flexors (m. quadriceps) and to determine any differences in the effectiveness of the two methods. Fifteen moderately active young adults participated in the study and completed both interventions in two separate sessions. Range of motion was assessed using a digital inclinometer to measure passive knee flexion and active hip extension. Both interventions led to statistically significant increases in joint range of motion (p < 0.001), with moderate effect sizes for knee flexion (d = 0.47–0.61) and large effect sizes for hip extension (d = 0.85–0.92). No significant differences in effectiveness were observed between the methods (p > 0.05). Static stretching is presumed to enhance flexibility primarily by increasing stretch tolerance, whereas foam rolling likely exerts its effect by reducing muscle tension and influencing fascial structures. These findings support the use of both techniques as equally effective tools for the acute improvement of anterior thigh muscle flexibility. Future research should include larger and more diverse samples and evaluate both the short- and long-term effects of these methods, individually and in combination.
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