Does Vibration Foam Roller Influence Performance and Recovery? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

[Abstract] Background: Foam rolling has been extensively investigated, showing benefts in performance and recovery. Recently, vibration has been added to foam rollers, with hypothesized advantages over conventional foam rollers. However, there is no systematic evidence in this regard. Objective: To carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis about the efects of vibration foam roller (VFR) on performance and recovery. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science and SportDiscus according to the PRISMA guidelines. The outcomes included performance (jump, agility and strength) and recovery variables (blood fow, pain and fatigue) measured after an intervention with VFR. The methodological quality was assessed with the PEDro scale. A random-efects model was used to perform the meta-analysis. Results: Initially, 556 studies were found and after the eligibility criteria 10 studies were included in the systematic review and 9 in the meta-analysis. There was no signifcant efects on jump performance (SMD=0.14 [95% CI −0.022 to 0.307]; p=0.101; I 2=1.08%) and no signifcant benefcial efects were reported on isokinetic strength (SMD=0.16 [95% CI −0.041 to 0.367]; p=0.117; I 2=9.7%). Recovery appears to be enhanced after VFR interventions, but agility does not seem to increase after VFR interventions. Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that VFR could have great potential for increasing jump performance, agility, strength and enhancing recovery. Further research is needed to confrm the efects of VFR on performance and recovery.