Acute Effects of Gastrocnemius/Soleus Self-Myofascial Release Versus Dynamic Stretching on Closed-Chain Dorsiflexion

<jats:p><jats:italic><jats:bold>Context</jats:bold>:</jats:italic> Limited ankle dorsiflexion (DF) range of motion has been correlated with decreased flexibility of the gastrocnemius/soleus complex. Decreased ankle DF range of motion can lead to an increase in lower-extremity injuries, for example, acute ankle sprains, Achilles tendinopathy. <jats:italic><jats:bold>Objective</jats:bold>:</jats:italic> The purpose of this study was to determine whether a single application of the intervention to the gastrocnemius/soleus complex via multidirectional self-myofascial release using a foam roller, multiplanar dynamic stretch performed in downward dog, or a combination of both techniques acutely improved ankle DF. <jats:italic><jats:bold>Design</jats:bold>:</jats:italic> Subjects were assigned to groups via random card selection. Investigators provided verbal cues as needed to yield correct performance of interventions. Both interventions were performed twice for 1 minute using a dynamic walking rest of 30.48 m at a self-selected pace between interventions. Statistical analyses were completed using a 1-way analysis of variance, at <jats:italic>α</jats:italic> level ≤ .05. <jats:italic><jats:bold>Setting</jats:bold>:</jats:italic> A convenience sample study. <jats:italic><jats:bold>Participants</jats:bold>:</jats:italic> A total of 42 asymptomatic physical therapy students (18 females and 24 males) with mean age of 26.12 (4.03) years volunteered to participate. <jats:italic><jats:bold>Interventions</jats:bold>:</jats:italic> Multidirectional self-myofascial release using a foam roller, multiplanar dynamic stretch performed in downward dog, or a combination of both techniques. <jats:italic><jats:bold>Main Outcome Measures</jats:bold>:</jats:italic> Weight-bearing right ankle DF measurements were recorded in centimeters using a forward lunge technique (intraclass correlation coefficient = .98, .97, and .96). <jats:italic><jats:bold>Results</jats:bold>:</jats:italic> Data analysis revealed no significant difference between the 3 groups in all pre–post measurements (<jats:italic>P</jats:italic> = .82). Mean (SD) measurements from pretest to posttest for myofascial release, dynamic stretching, and combination interventions were 0.479 (0.7) cm, 0.700 (0.7) cm, and 0.907 (1.4) cm, respectively. <jats:italic><jats:bold>Conclusion</jats:bold>:</jats:italic> Until further studies are conducted, the selection of technique to increase ankle DF range of motion should be based on each individual patient’s ability, preference, and response to treatment.</jats:p>