The use of foam roller on patellofemoral pain syndrome for Hong Kong recreational and professional runners

Introduction: Running had become one of the most popular and practiced sports worldwide. However, 59% of Hong Kong runners including recreational and professional runners suffered patellofemoral pain syndrome. Foam rolling has steadily gained in popularity as an intervention to increase range of motion and reduce pain. Self-myofascial release (SMFR) is an active effect from foam rolling and relatively new technique for mobilising soft tissue. The study was to investigate on the popularity and public awareness of proper usage of foam roller on patellofemoral pain syndrome for Hong Kong recreational and professional runners.

Methods: Questionnaire was designed in both Chinese and English version investigating on the popularity and public awareness of proper usage of foam roller on patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner’s knee) for Hong Kong recreational and professional runners.

Results: Fifty-eight complete data were being collected from the questionnaire. The result showed that close to half of foam roller users (n=25) understand the proper usage of foam roller. Also, they agreed with the combination of stretching exercises and foam roller would have better muscles recovery effects. Data from the questionnaire were being supported by systematic reviews on patellofemoral pain.

Discussion and Conclusion: Further studies were needed to investigate on the comparisons of different interventions with comparison of foam rolling. Furthermore, more evidence is needed to investigate if post-exercise foam rolling was better than pre-exercise rolling.