Body Tempering vs Foam Rolling for Leg Strength

Overseen By Matthew D Geary, DPT, EdD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of South Carolina

Must not be taking: Anticoagulants

Disqualifiers: Knee injury, Hypertension, Cancer, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests two methods—body tempering and foam rolling—to determine which improves leg strength and power. Participants will perform jump tests before and after the treatments to measure effectiveness. Body tempering uses a heavy device to massage muscles, while foam rolling is a self-massage technique with a foam cylinder. The trial seeks healthy individuals aged 18-39 with no history of knee or hip injuries or certain medical conditions like high blood pressure or osteoporosis. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could enhance athletic performance and recovery techniques.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

If you are currently taking any anticoagulation medications, you cannot participate in this trial. For other medications, the trial does not specify if you need to stop taking them.

What prior data suggests that these interventions are safe for improving leg strength?

Research shows that body tempering is generally easy for people to handle. Previous studies found that it does not harm muscle performance. Some evidence even suggests it can help reduce muscle soreness in athletes. This technique involves rolling a heavy metal cylinder over muscles, similar to foam rolling, which is a safe method used to relax muscles.

Foam rolling is a common and generally safe practice. It involves rolling a foam cylinder over muscles to relieve tension. Many reports highlight its effectiveness in reducing muscle tightness and improving flexibility without major side effects.

In summary, both body tempering and foam rolling are considered safe practices. Studies have not shown significant negative effects for either method, making them well-tolerated options for those considering joining this trial. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it compares two physical techniques, body tempering and foam rolling, to evaluate their effectiveness in improving leg strength. Body tempering stands out for its dynamic application of an 80-pound device by an investigator, which might offer a more consistent and targeted pressure compared to self-applied foam rolling. This method could potentially provide more uniform muscle engagement and possibly enhance recovery and strength outcomes. By directly comparing these techniques, the trial aims to uncover whether body tempering offers a distinct advantage over the more commonly practiced foam rolling.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for improving leg strength?

This trial will compare Body Tempering with Foam Rolling for leg strength. Research has shown that body tempering can strengthen muscles and reduce soreness in athletes. Some studies suggest it does not harm muscle performance and might alleviate soreness. Other research found that body tempering could enhance leg jump performance. When compared to foam rolling, both methods have shown benefits in boosting jump power. Participants in this trial may receive either body tempering or foam rolling, as both may aid in muscle performance and recovery. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for healthy individuals aged 18-39 who are interested in the effects of body tempering and foam rolling on leg strength. Participants will be tested on their ability to perform vertical and standing long jumps before and after the interventions, as well as 24 hours later.

Inclusion Criteria

I am healthy and between 18 and 39 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

I have inflammation in my joints.

I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis.

Pregnancy

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

Baseline Assessment

Participants perform a brief warm-up followed by baseline performance of the vertical jump and standing long jump tests

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Intervention

Participants are randomized into either the body tempering or foam rolling intervention group and perform the respective intervention followed by jump tests

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants return 24 hours later for reassessment of jump tests and complete a Global Rating of Change scale

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Body Tempering
• Foam Rolling

Trial Overview Researchers are testing whether body tempering or foam rolling can improve lower extremity power immediately or within a day. The study involves baseline jump tests, random assignment to one of the two techniques, immediate post-intervention testing, and follow-up tests after 24 hours.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Body Tempering Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participant will be positioned prone on the Body Tempering Ab Mat with their feet hanging off the end of the mat. The body tempering intervention will be applied by the same investigator for all trials. The body tempering device will be applied dynamically to each participant for 4 minutes, with the device placed on both participants' lower extremities at the same time. First, the examiner will set a timer for two minutes and begin rolling one 80-pound body tempering device along the participant's gastrocnemius-soleus complex at a rate of 30 beats per minute, traveling from the Achilles tendon (medial malleolus) to the inferior aspect of the popliteal fossa, indicated by fibular head. The participant will then take thirty seconds to transition to a supine position and receive tempering with an 80-pound tempering device along their middle to distal quadriceps, set a timer for 2 minutes.

Group II: Foam rolling self-myofascial release Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will be instructed via standardized script to perform self-myofascial release (SMR) on their gastrocnemius-soleus complex and quadriceps muscles. The first SMR sequence will be performed by having the participant place the foam roller behind both calves, beginning the roll at the medial malleolus and ending at the inferior aspect of the popliteal fossa, indicated by the fibular head. The participant will perform this for two minutes, rolling at a tempo of 30 beats per minute. Next, the participant will take thirty seconds to transition to a prone position, placing the foam roller just distal to the hip crease, just inferior to the AIIS, and rolling inferiorly to the area just proximal to the most superior aspect of the patella. This self-release sequence will be performed for two minutes at a tempo of 30 beats per minute. The total time should be four minutes, matching the total time of the experimental intervention group.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of South Carolina

Lead Sponsor

Trials

233

Recruited

122,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8788561/

The Effects of Body Tempering on Force Production ... 5. Conclusions. The results of this study demonstrated that tempering can be an effective way to reduce soreness in strength and power athletes.

2. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/357751893_The_Effects_of_Body_Tempering_on_Force_Production_Flexibility_and_Muscle_Soreness_in_Collegiate_Football_Athletes

(PDF) The Effects of Body Tempering on Force Production ... The results of the study concluded that body tempering does not have a negative effect on muscle performance but did practically reduce ...

3. rauschpt.net rauschpt.net/a-deeper-look-into-the-effects-of-body-tempering/

A Deeper Look into The Effects of Body Tempering The results of the study concluded that body tempering does not have a negative effect on muscle performance but did practically reduce perceived muscle ...

4. ctv.veeva.com ctv.veeva.com/study/the-immediate-and-24-hour-effects-of-body-tempering-versus-foam-rolling-on-lower-extremity-muscular

The Immediate and 24-hour Effects of Body Tempering Versus ... The goal of this clinical trial is to examine the effects of body tempering on healthy volunteers between the ages of 18-39.

5. scholars.indianastate.edu scholars.indianastate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1096&context=clinat

Body Tempering and its Effect on Ankle Dorsiflexion and Power The results of our study showed statistically significant improvement in the unilateral jump on the left and right leg after both. BT and FR.

6. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2673-7078/5/4/83

The Effect of Warm-Up on Muscle Strength and Body ... The Effect of Warm-Up on Muscle Strength and Body Temperature in Athletes with Disabilities ... In addition, Figure 4 displays data related to changes in core ...

7. bodytempering.com bodytempering.com/general-5

Texas Article Body Tempering, developed in 2014, uses steel rollers to combat soft tissue restrictions and accelerate performance and recovery in athletes.

8. bodytempering.com bodytempering.com/science

Science The results of this study demonstrated that tempering can be an effective way to reduce soreness in strength and power athletes.