A single session with a roller massager improves hamstring flexibility in healthy athletes: a randomized placebo-controlled crossover study

Abstract Purpose The aim of this randomized placebo-controlled crossover study was to compare the acute effect on young athletes a single session roller massager (RM) with that obtained from passive static stretching (PSS) and placebo intervention (PL) hamstring flexibility strength. Methods Twenty-nine (23 male, 6 female) completed study. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) two-leg sit-and-reach test were performed before immediately after PL, PSS RM three different days. Results showed all interventions increased muscles compared pre-test measurements (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p < 0.05). Only significantly higher than PL (sham ultrasound). Stretching not either other two interventions. None changed muscle strength in short term. Conclusions can be considered as an effective alternative increase hamstring. This could meaningful when is contraindicated or evokes pain.