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Definition: "An ergogenic aid is any substance or phenomenon that enhances performance "
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31.05.2013 |
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Foam roller makes blood vessels suppler
The scientific name for a self-massage using a foam roller is self-myofascial release. Because self-myofascial release, like stretch exercises, is intended to make muscles more supple, and because stretch exercises help make blood vessels more supple too, the researchers were curious as to whether foam roller session would also have a positive effect on blood vessels.
After the first measurement the subjects proceeded to treat themselves using a foam roller measuring 15 x 91 cm for a maximum of 15 minutes. They massaged their adductors, hamstrings, quadriceps, their ilio-tibial band and their upper back, including the trapezius muscle [SMR].
At the end of the session the researchers repeated their measurements.
The researchers repeated the procedure on another occasion, but the subjects did not do the foam roller rigmarole [Control].
The figure above shows that the foam roller session made the blood vessels less stiff, and the concentration of NO precursors in the blood increased.
"The present findings suggest that one bout of self-myofascial release confers many favorable cardiovascular benefits", the researchers write. "Moreover, because one bout of self-myofascial release reduces PWV and increases plasma NO concentration, repeated long-term self-myofascial release might decrease baseline arterial stiffness. Therefore, self-myofascial release could be included in exercise programs to promote health."
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