The Effects of Self-Myofascial Release on Physical Fitness and Swing Performance in Male Collegiate Golfers in China

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

30 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2025-08-01

Study Completion Date

2025-10-02

Brief Summary

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This is a randomized controlled trial aimed at evaluating the effects of a self-myofascial release (SMR) program on physical fitness and swing performance in male collegiate golfers in China. The primary purpose is to determine whether SMR, using foam rollers and massage balls, can improve joint mobility, core control, balance, and golf-specific swing outcomes.

The study seeks to answer the following key questions:

Can an 8-week SMR program enhance physical functions such as mobility, balance, and trunk control in male collegiate golfers?

Can SMR improve key performance indicators of golf swing, including club head speed, ball speed, carry distance, and accuracy?

Participants (n=60) will be healthy male collegiate golfers aged 18-25, randomly assigned to either an experimental group (SMR) or a time-matched control group (no SMR). Both groups will undergo 8 weeks of golf training in a centralized camp with identical accommodations and practice schedules.

The SMR group will perform supervised self-myofascial release exercises using Decathlon-brand foam rollers and balls, three times per week (30 min/session) in the gym after regular training.

The control group will engage in supervised 30-minute sessions of passive golf-related video watching, scheduled at the same time and environment as the SMR sessions.

Assessments will be conducted at Week 0 (baseline), Week 4 (midpoint), and Week 8 (post-intervention). Testing will include range-of-motion (ROM) measurements, balance tasks, strength/stability exercises, and golf swing performance using a TrackMan Launch Monitor. All outcome assessors will be blinded to group allocation to minimize bias.

The study aims to provide evidence on whether SMR is an effective training strategy to enhance functional movement and sports-specific performance in amateur golfers.

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Detailed Description

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Conditions

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Range of Motion, Articular Physical Fitness Golf Specific Performance

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

This study employed a parallel-group randomized controlled trial design with two arms: an intervention group receiving self-myofascial release (SMR) and a passive control group. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio using a computer-generated sequence. All participants underwent a centralized 3-month training program with identical routines, meals, and accommodations. The intervention lasted 8 weeks. The SMR group received supervised sessions three times per week (30 minutes/session) in the evening after regular training. The control group engaged in time-matched passive video viewing to control for attention bias. Randomization and timing were standardized, and outcome assessors were blinded to group allocation.

Primary Study Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Blinding Strategy

SINGLE

Outcome Assessors

Outcome assessors were blinded to group allocation throughout the study. All participants were assigned ID codes, and test results were recorded without any indication of group assignment. Assessors were not involved in the delivery of the intervention or in regular training sessions, and all assessments (physical fitness and swing performance) were conducted in a standardized manner to reduce potential bias. The blinding process was maintained until data analysis was completed.

Study Groups

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Self-Myofascial Release (SMR) Group

The SMR program was delivered three times per week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays), each session lasting approximately 30 minutes and conducted after 7:00 PM in the on-site gym, immediately following daily golf training. Prior to the first session, a certified instructor provided standardized instruction on SMR techniques using foam rollers and massage balls targeting the thoracolumbar fascia, gluteal and hip complex, hamstrings, and shoulder girdle. All sessions were supervised to ensure compliance and correct execution. SMR exercises were performed in a fixed sequence. All participants in the SMR group used the same model of equipment purchased in bulk from Decathlon (DOMYOS brand), including a 45 cm × 15 cm high-density EVA foam roller and a 6.5 cm massage ball. Participants in the SMR group did not engage in any video watching activities during the intervention period, unlike the control group.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Self-Myofascial Release (SMR) Program

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

The intervention involves a structured 6-week Self-Myofascial Release (SMR) program using foam rollers and massage balls. Participants perform standardized SMR exercises targeting major muscle groups relevant to golf performance, including the calves, hamstrings, glutes, back, shoulders, and thoracic spine. The intervention is conducted three times per week, with each session lasting approximately 30 minutes. Exercises are demonstrated and monitored by certified instructors. The control group continues regular physical activities without SMR.

Control Group (No SMR)

Participants in the control group did not receive any self-myofascial release (SMR) intervention. They followed the same daily training schedule, accommodation, and meals as the SMR group. Instead of SMR, they engaged in supervised viewing of golf-related instructional videos or documentaries three times per week, approximately 30 minutes per session, after 7:00 PM in a designated classroom. This was matched in timing and frequency to the SMR group's sessions. No flexibility, mobility, or soft tissue techniques were included. Sessions were conducted collectively at the same time and setting as the SMR group to control for attention and environmental bias. Attendance and compliance were monitored by supervisors.

Group Type SHAM_COMPARATOR

Golf-Related Video Viewing (Attention Control)

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Participants in the control group did not receive any self-myofascial release (SMR) intervention. They followed the same daily training schedule, accommodation, and meals as the SMR group. Instead of engaging in SMR exercises, participants in the control group engaged in supervised viewing of golf-related instructional videos or documentaries three times per week, approximately 30 minutes per session, after 7:00 PM in a designated classroom. This viewing schedule was matched in timing and frequency to the SMR group's intervention sessions. No flexibility, mobility, or soft tissue techniques were included in the control group's activities. The sessions were conducted collectively in the same setting and at the same time as the SMR group to control for attention and environmental bias. Attendance and compliance were closely monitored by supervisors to ensure adherence.

Interventions

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Self-Myofascial Release (SMR) Program

The intervention involves a structured 6-week Self-Myofascial Release (SMR) program using foam rollers and massage balls. Participants perform standardized SMR exercises targeting major muscle groups relevant to golf performance, including the calves, hamstrings, glutes, back, shoulders, and thoracic spine. The intervention is conducted three times per week, with each session lasting approximately 30 minutes. Exercises are demonstrated and monitored by certified instructors. The control group continues regular physical activities without SMR.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Golf-Related Video Viewing (Attention Control)

Participants in the control group did not receive any self-myofascial release (SMR) intervention. They followed the same daily training schedule, accommodation, and meals as the SMR group. Instead of engaging in SMR exercises, participants in the control group engaged in supervised viewing of golf-related instructional videos or documentaries three times per week, approximately 30 minutes per session, after 7:00 PM in a designated classroom. This viewing schedule was matched in timing and frequency to the SMR group's intervention sessions. No flexibility, mobility, or soft tissue techniques were included in the control group's activities. The sessions were conducted collectively in the same setting and at the same time as the SMR group to control for attention and environmental bias. Attendance and compliance were closely monitored by supervisors to ensure adherence.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* Male participants aged 18 to 25 years
* Collegiate golfers who are right-handed
* Currently active in university-level golf training (at least twice per week)
* Free of injuries or conditions that prevent participation in assessments or interventions
* Willing and able to provide written informed consent
* Not engaged in any other flexibility training or self-myofascial release (SMR) programs during the study period

Exclusion Criteria

* History of musculoskeletal injury or surgery within the past six months
* Diagnosed neurological disorders or balance impairments
* Current participation in other interventional studies
* Use of medications affecting neuromuscular function
* Any condition that prevents completion of golf swing or fitness testing

Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

25 Years

Eligible Sex

MALE

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes