Body Tempering and its Effect on Ankle Dorsiflexion and Power

Abstract

Body Tempering (BT) is a newer myofascial release (MFR) technique that is used by athletes and healthcare professionals. The effects of BT are stated to be similar to foam rolling (FR) and other MFR techniques, but there is minimal research assessing the effects of BT on power and range of motion (ROM). The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of BT on ankle dorsiflexion ROM and power, as well as to compare the effects of BT to traditional FR. Twenty college-aged participants (10 males-10 females) were tested before and after intervention on three measurements of the broad jump (single-leg and double-leg) and weight bearing lunge test. Week one, each participant was randomly assigned to a 30-second treatment (BT or FR) performed on both calves, simultaneously, at a pace of 1 pass every 2 seconds. Week two, the treatment that was not received in session one, was administered. Paired sample t-tests between post-intervention and baseline measurements, as well as BT and FR showed statistically significant differences in FR and BT between pre and post single-leg jump averages for the left leg (FR-Pre: 93.22 cm, Post: 96.77 cm; p = .046) (BT-Pre: 94.53 cm, Post: 100.27 cm; p = .03) and the right leg (FR-Pre: 92.28 cm, Post: 99.38 cm; p= .007) (BT-Pre: 94.22 cm, Post: 99.83 cm; p= .036). Average ROM was only found to be statistically significantly different for BT on the right leg (Pre: 8.32 cm, Post: 8.80 cm; p = .035). There were no statistically significant differences in power (p= .293 -left leg; p= .894 -right leg; p= .362 -bilaterally) or ROM (p= .791 -left leg; p=.825 -right leg) when comparing the BT to FR interventions. When throwing, jumping, and running, single leg power is important, and these techniques could increase muscle performance needed during activity.