Introduction: Fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds and connects all muscles, bones, and organs in the body. It is hypothesized that dysfunctions of the fascial system can lead to discomfort and pain and can be addressed with the soft-tissue mobilization technique with the use of assistive tools. Purpose: To assess the short-term and long-term effects of soft-tissue release using a foam roller on pain threshold and range of motion of the lumbar spine in healthy individuals. Methods: The study involved 43 healthy subjects without back problems, who were randomly assigned to an experimental or control group. Subjects in the experimental group underwent soft-tissue mobilization with tools for 4 weeks (a total of 12 therapies). Subjects in the control group did not receive any treatment and were not allowed to use a foam roller until the completion of data collection. We measured the effects on a range of motion using the modified-modified Schober test for flexion and by measuring fingertip-to-floor distance for lateral flexion. Effects on pressure pain threshold were measured using a hand-held pressure algometer. The measurements were performed before the start, after the end of the first therapy, after the end of 12 therapies, and 1, 3, and 6 months after the completion of the entire program. Results: We found an improvement after the first therapy for flexion (p = 0.03) and lateral flexion (p < 0.001) in the experimental group and recorded an improvement in all measured variables (flexion, lateral flexion, and algometry: p < 0.001) at the end of the entire 4-week program. The effects were noticeable for at least 6 months after cessation of the therapies (p ⡤ 0.03) and were statistically significantly better than in the control group (p ⡤ 0.04). Discussion and conclusion: Soft-tissue mobilization using a foam roller improves pressure pain threshold and flexibility of the lumbar spine in healthy individuals. The effects are most prominent after a prolonged period of therapy and are noticeable for at least 6 months after the end of therapies. The mechanisms of action of soft-tissue mobilization with tools are not well understood yet. More similar studies are needed to confirm the obtained results, and to determine the optimal parameters of the therapies.
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