Vol 16, Issue 7

Recovery Effects of Foam Rolling on Psychophysiological Responses in Thai National Male Ice Hockey Players

December 1, 2023 - By 

Authors

Fuengfa Khobkhun, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University
Rakchai Sukwiboon, College of Sports Science and Technology, Mahidol University
Papatsorn Ramyarangsi, College of Sports Science and Technology, Mahidol University
Mark Willems, Institute of Sport, Nursing and Allied Health, University of Chichester
Amornpan Ajjimaporn, College of Sports Science and Technology, Mahidol University
International Journal of Exercise Science 16(7): 1191-1204, 2023.
DOI: 10.70252/DJVQ6733

Abstract

We examined the short-term effects of foam rolling (FR), dynamic stretching (DS), and passive rest (PR) following simulated ice hockey exercise (IHE) on heart rate (HR), blood lactate (BL), leg choice reaction time (CRTleg), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and global rating of change (GRC) in elite ice hockey players. The study followed a randomized cross-over design. Fifteen national male ice hockey players were assigned to the FR, DS, or PR interventions for 10 mins following 35-min of simulated IHE. HR and BL were obtained at 0-, 5- and 10-min post-intervention. CRTleg and RPE were assessed pre-and post-intervention. GRC was evaluated post-intervention. The PR decreased HR faster than the DS at 5-min of post-treatment. Whereas the FR and DS reduced BL levels faster than the PR at 5- and 10-min post-treatment. There was no difference in CRTleg among the FR, DS, and PR. The FR had lower RPE scores compared to the DS and PR post-treatment. As perceptual aspects, the FR was the most preferred treatment by ice hockey athletes. The FR and DS exerted more beneficial effects on BL but not on HRby the passive rest. The FR showed the most effective treatment on the psychological demands by improving RPE and perceptual responses over the DS and PR. Thus, the FR could be used as a choice for post-game recovery treatment on improving physiological and perceptual responses following an intense match-play in ice hockey players.

Recommended Citation