The Effects of Self-Myofascial Release on Physical Fitness and Swing Performance in Male Collegiate Golfers in China

Yang Qi

Status: Invitation-only

Conditions: Physical Fitness; Range of Motion, Articular; Golf Specific Performance

Treatments: Behavioral: Self-Myofascial Release (SMR) Program; Behavioral: Golf-Related Video Viewing (Attention Control)

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07064148

2025011

Details and patient eligibility

About

This is a randomized controlled trial aimed at evaluating the effects of a self-myofascial release (SMR) program on physical fitness and swing performance in male collegiate golfers in China. The primary purpose is to determine whether SMR, using foam rollers and massage balls, can improve joint mobility, core control, balance, and golf-specific swing outcomes.

The study seeks to answer the following key questions:

Can an 8-week SMR program enhance physical functions such as mobility, balance, and trunk control in male collegiate golfers?

Can SMR improve key performance indicators of golf swing, including club head speed, ball speed, carry distance, and accuracy?

Participants (n=60) will be healthy male collegiate golfers aged 18-25, randomly assigned to either an experimental group (SMR) or a time-matched control group (no SMR). Both groups will undergo 8 weeks of golf training in a centralized camp with identical accommodations and practice schedules.

The SMR group will perform supervised self-myofascial release exercises using Decathlon-brand foam rollers and balls, three times per week (30 min/session) in the gym after regular training.

The control group will engage in supervised 30-minute sessions of passive golf-related video watching, scheduled at the same time and environment as the SMR sessions.

Assessments will be conducted at Week 0 (baseline), Week 4 (midpoint), and Week 8 (post-intervention). Testing will include range-of-motion (ROM) measurements, balance tasks, strength/stability exercises, and golf swing performance using a TrackMan Launch Monitor. All outcome assessors will be blinded to group allocation to minimize bias.

The study aims to provide evidence on whether SMR is an effective training strategy to enhance functional movement and sports-specific performance in amateur golfers.

Enrollment: 30 estimated patients

Sex: Male

Ages: 18 to 25 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male participants aged 18 to 25 years
• Collegiate golfers who are right-handed
• Currently active in university-level golf training (at least twice per week)
• Free of injuries or conditions that prevent participation in assessments or interventions
• Willing and able to provide written informed consent
• Not engaged in any other flexibility training or self-myofascial release (SMR) programs during the study period
• Exclusion Criteria:
• History of musculoskeletal injury or surgery within the past six months
• Diagnosed neurological disorders or balance impairments
• Current participation in other interventional studies
• Use of medications affecting neuromuscular function
• Any condition that prevents completion of golf swing or fitness testing

Trial design

Primary purpose: Supportive Care

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

---

30 participants in 2 patient groups

Self-Myofascial Release (SMR) Group

Experimental group

Description:

The SMR program was delivered three times per week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays), each session lasting approximately 30 minutes and conducted after 7:00 PM in the on-site gym, immediately following daily golf training. Prior to the first session, a certified instructor provided standardized instruction on SMR techniques using foam rollers and massage balls targeting the thoracolumbar fascia, gluteal and hip complex, hamstrings, and shoulder girdle. All sessions were supervised to ensure compliance and correct execution. SMR exercises were performed in a fixed sequence. All participants in the SMR group used the same model of equipment purchased in bulk from Decathlon (DOMYOS brand), including a 45 cm × 15 cm high-density EVA foam roller and a 6.5 cm massage ball. Participants in the SMR group did not engage in any video watching activities during the intervention period, unlike the control group.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Self-Myofascial Release (SMR) Program

Control Group (No SMR)

Sham Comparator group

Description:

Participants in the control group did not receive any self-myofascial release (SMR) intervention. They followed the same daily training schedule, accommodation, and meals as the SMR group. Instead of SMR, they engaged in supervised viewing of golf-related instructional videos or documentaries three times per week, approximately 30 minutes per session, after 7:00 PM in a designated classroom. This was matched in timing and frequency to the SMR group's sessions. No flexibility, mobility, or soft tissue techniques were included. Sessions were conducted collectively at the same time and setting as the SMR group to control for attention and environmental bias. Attendance and compliance were monitored by supervisors.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Golf-Related Video Viewing (Attention Control)