Effect of Foam Roll recovery method on performance in water polo players: a randomized controlled trial

Perceptions and use of recovery strategies in water polo players and coaches: a worldwide survey

The objective of this study was to assess the perceived usefulness, actual use and limitations for the application of recovery strategies among water polo (WP) players and their coaches around the world. A total of 231 WP players and 76 coaches representing all continents, both genders and all levels of competition, completed a freely accessible online survey. This was divided into three sections: sociodemographic data (8 questions), importance of perceived usefulness of recovery strategies (3 questions), and actual use of recovery methods (6 questions). The majority of players and coaches considered recovery strategies as very important (52.4% and 59.2%, respectively) and posttraining session (28.1% and 26.5%) were the most frequently used times. The most selected reasons to justify their use were to reduce the injury risk (30.4% and 26.9%) and the most limitation to the use of recovery strategies were that they are too time-consuming (34.9% and 29%). In the case of the players, stretching were the strategies perceived as most useful and used (12.7% and 18.1%); and in the case of the coaches, it was active recovery (11.2% and 15%). The present study suggests a degree of discrepancy between the scientific literature and the research participants' perceptions and usages of recovery methods. This information may be of interest for coaches and technical staff of WP teams to look for appropriate recovery strategies for the improvement of their players' performance.

Effects of Self-Myofascial Release on Athletes' Physical Performance: A Systematic Review

Therapists and strength and conditioning specialists use self-myofascial release (SMR) as an intervention tool through foam rollers or massage rollers for soft tissue massage, with the purpose of improving mobility in the muscular fascia. Moreover, the use of SMR by professional and amateur athletes during warm-ups, cool downs, and workouts can have significant effects on their physical performance attributes, such as range of motion (ROM) and strength. The purpose of this study was to analyse the literature pertaining to these types of interventions and their effects found in different physical performance attributes for athletes. A systematic search was carried out using the following databases: PUBMED, ISI Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane, including articles up to September 2023. A total of 25 articles with 517 athletes were studied in depth. SMR seems to have acute positive effects on flexibility and range of motion, without affecting muscle performance during maximal strength and power actions, but favouring recovery perception and decreasing delayed-onset muscle soreness. Some positive effects on agility and very short-range high-speed actions were identified, as well. In conclusion, although there is little evidence of its method of application due to the heterogeneity in that regard, according to our findings, SMR could be used as an intervention to improve athletes' perceptual recovery parameters, in addition to flexibility and range of motion, without negatively affecting muscle performance.