This Study Will Compare Force Production in Double-leg Squats of College Students Before and After a Standardized Foam Rolling Session

Overview

This study is a within-subject controlled trial . The investigators will compare unilateral force production in a bodyweight double-leg squat before and after a standardized foam rolling session with the use of Vald ForceDecks. TheForceDecks use sensors embedded within separate plates to record the forces exerted. Participants will have their weight, height, and dorsiflexion range of motion measured prior to performing 3 double-leg squats. Participants will then be instructed on the foam rolling technique. They will perform the technique on each quadriceps group and will state their pain level at 30 seconds and at 2 minutes using the VAS pain scale.

The invetigators will compare independent bilateral double-leg squat force productions before and after a structured foam rolling routine. Participants will first be measured for height, weight, and dorsiflexion ROM (SADS; standing ankle dorsiflexion screen). Quadriceps muscle belly length will be determined by measuring from the ASIS to the superior pole of the patella and marking the middle 2/3 of the region. Participants will then stand on VALD ForceDecks for normalization. (The ForceDecks use sensors embedded within separate plates to record the forces exerted by each leg.) With hands on hips, participants will perform three body weight double leg squats (squatting above 90 degrees of knee flexion). Participants will then watch a demonstration of single leg quadriceps foam rolling which will consist of 3-point contact in a plank position with the targeted leg not having contact with the ground. Participants will be cued for continuous motion on a count of 3 seconds in each direction without pausing. Participants will be asked to respond to a visual analog scale for pain at 30 seconds and at 2 minutes (end of session). Participants will be given a 30-second rest between sides. Upon completion, participants will return to the ForceDecks and perform 3 additional body weight double-leg squats with hands on hips (approximate same depth of squat as the initial set).