Fascia Training Boosts Flexibility, Balance and Endurance
New clinical trial supports myofascial release to improve movement performance.
Keep using foam rollers, dynamic stretches and mobility tools to stimulate fascia. New research confirms the performance-enhancing effects of myofascial release (MFR) when added to a flexibility, muscular endurance and balance program. This single-blind randomized controlled trial studied healthy adults aged 18–35 years who followed the same training regimen, except one group added thoracolumbar fascia release using foam rollers.
The MFR group saw statistically significant gains in:
- flexibility
- muscular endurance
- balance and postural control
These findings reinforce that fascia is not just passive tissue, but is an active player in movement efficiency, injury prevention and functional performance. Addressing fascial health can complement traditional strength and flexibility programs and help clients achieve broader and more sustainable physical benefits.
The study is reported in the Journal of Sports Rehabilitation.
References
https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/jsr/aop/article-10.1123-jsr.2024-0102/article-10.1123-jsr.2024-0102.xml
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA, is an internationally acknowledged integrative health and mindfulness specialist, best-selling author of 16 fitness and wellness books translated into multiple languages and sold worldwide, award-winning health journalist, contributing editor to Fitness Journal, media spokesperson, and IDEA's 2008 Fitness Instructor of the Year. She's a 25-year industry veteran and former health and fitness educator at the Stanford Prevention Research Center, who has served on multiple industry committees and co-authored trade books and manuals for ACE, ACSM and YMCA of the USA. She has appeared on TV worldwide and was a featured trainer on America's Next Top Model.
