The Relationship Between Attitude Toward Pain and the Effects of Foam Rolling on Biomechanical Parameters of Soft Tissues Measured with the MyotonPRO Device

TL;DR

This study shows that people's attitudes toward pain are linked to how foam rolling affects soft tissue biomechanics, suggesting that understanding these attitudes could improve foam rolling effectiveness.

Contribution

The study reveals a novel link between psychological pain attitudes and biomechanical changes from foam rolling, suggesting personalized approaches could enhance outcomes.

Findings

Pain-related attitudes correlate with foam rolling-induced biomechanical changes in soft tissues.

Fewer associations were found after longer foam rolling sessions, suggesting a time-dependent effect.

Significant correlations were observed between pain catastrophizing scores and specific myotonometric parameters.

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between pain-related attitudes and biomechanical changes in myofascial tissues following foam rolling. The results indicate that psychological factors, particularly pain catastrophizing, are correlated with FR-induced alterations.

What are the main findings?
Pain-related attitudes are correlated with FR-induced changesFewer associations were found after longer rolling, potentially indicating a time-dependent effect

Pain-related attitudes are correlated with FR-induced changes

Fewer associations were found after longer rolling, potentially indicating a time-dependent effect

What is the implication of the main findings?
Identifying negative pain attitudes may improve pain management and enhance FR effectivenessScreening for pain beliefs may help tailor FR strategies

Identifying negative pain attitudes may improve pain management and enhance FR effectiveness

Screening for pain beliefs may help tailor FR strategies

Background: Foam Rolling (FR) involves applying intense pressure to soft tissues, which can cause discomfort or pain due to the mechanical stimulation. This study aims to explore the relationship between individuals’ attitudes toward pain and the changes in the biomechanical properties of myofascial tissues induced by FR, as measured using myotonometry. Understanding this relationship may be valuable for optimizing recovery and performance in both recreational and athletic settings. Methods: Thirty-two healthy men (mean age: 24.3 ± 4.56 years) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: ROL30 (30 s of FR) and ROL120 (120 s of FR). The MyotonPRO device was used to evaluate changes in biomechanical parameters: stiffness, frequency, logarithmic decrement, relaxation time, and creep, before and after FR. Measurements were taken from the gastrocnemius, biceps femoris, erector spinae, and longissimus colli muscles. Data were analyzed for each muscle and as a combined sum across both sides of the body. Psychological factors were assessed using the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and the Survey of Pain Attitudes (SOPA), analyzing both total and subscale scores. Correlations between PCS/SOPA scores and changes in myotonometric parameters were calculated using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Results: In the ROL30 group, 11 significant correlations were found between myotonometric changes and PCS/SOPA scores (r ranging from −0.55 to −0.76 and from 0.54 to 0.77), with the most prominent correlation observed between the sum of decrement and PCS total score (r = −0.55). In the ROL120 group, 3 significant correlations were identified (r ranging from −0.60 to −0.62), including a notable one between the sum of decrement and PCS helplessness (r = −0.60). Conclusions: Attitudes toward pain appear to show associations with certain outcomes of foam rolling. These findings suggest that individual pain perceptions may be related to the applied force during FR and, consequently, the treatment’s effectiveness. Assessing pain-related attitudes beforehand could help personalize FR interventions, particularly in athletes and active individuals, where pain is a routine aspect of training. Identifying negative pain attitudes may also improve pain management and enhance FR effectiveness, though further research is needed. Future studies should include larger sample sizes and validated scales to better understand the role of pain attitudes and their potential causal influence on FR outcomes.

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