Immediate Effects of Foam Roller Exercises With and Without Vibration on Lower-limb Strength and Physical Performance in Older Adults: A Randomized Crossover Trial

Abstract

Background/Purpose: Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and function, poses risks in Japan's aging population. While exercise helps to prevent it, older adults, especially those with pain, may struggle to exercise. This study examines the effects of vibrating (VFR) and non-vibrating foam rollers (NVFR) on lower-limb strength and function in this group. Methods: Twenty-seven adults aged ≥65 years participated in this crossover study. Lower-limb strength and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) tests were performed at baseline and after using VFR or NVFR. Results: VFR significantly increased knee extension strength (0.24 kgf/kg [0.19–0.27] to 0.29 kgf/kg [0.24–0.34], p < 0.01) and improved chair stand time (17.8 s [13.9–22.6] to 16.3 s [14.2–20.4], p < 0.01). VFR also enhanced knee extensor strength on the affected (0.20 kgf/kg [0.16–0.26] to 0.27 kgf/ kg [0.22–0.31], p < 0.01) and healthy sides (0.25 kgf/kg [0.22–0.30] to 0.31 kgf/kg [0.27–0.38], p < 0.01). NVFR increased knee extensor strength (0.24 kgf/kg [0.19–0.27] to 0.26 kgf/kg [0.22–0.29], p = 0.03) and reduced chair stand time (17.8 s [13.9–22.6] to 16.3 s [14.2–20.4], p < 0.01) but did not significantly improve chair stand scores or knee extensor strength on either side separately. Conclusion: Foam rolling exercises, particularly when integrated with vibration, may offer immediate improvements in lower-limb strength and physical performance for older adults. Further study is needed to establish standardized protocols for incorporating VFR into older patient care prevention programs.