Final answer:
Myofascial rolling helps decrease the effects of delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after strenuous exercise by promoting muscle relaxation and improving tissue elasticity around each muscle fiber.
Step-by-step explanation:
Researchers have found that myofascial rolling can decrease the effects of delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after strenuous exercise. DOMS describes the muscular pain and stiffness that arises typically 24 to 72 hours after unaccustomed or intense physical activity. The discomfort originates from microscopic tears in the muscle fibers, leading to inflammation and the sensation of soreness. Myofascial rolling, often performed with a foam roller, aids in alleviating this discomfort by enhancing blood flow to the muscle tissue, promoting muscle relaxation, and improving tissue elasticity. It essentially helps in the recovery process by mobilizing the fascia, the endomysium, which is a layer of loose, well-hydrated connective tissue that covers each muscle fiber. A primary role of fascia, including the endomysium, is to support and protect the muscles, allowing for efficient force transmission during muscle contractions.
DOMS commonly affects those who engage in resistance training or high-intensity exercise, which can lead to overuse injuries if done excessively without adequate rest. This type of soreness is not typically associated with the loss of dynamic posture control, local muscle endurance, or eccentric strength, but rather the sensation arises from muscle recovery post intense exercise.