Post-exercise foam rolling as a recovery strategy for performance outcomes in martial arts athletes: a pilot study from Latvian and Polish cohorts

This pilot study examined the feasibility and preliminary effects of a two-week post-exercise foam rolling intervention on delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and kicking performance (TAIKT) in martial arts athletes. Martial arts athletes from Latvia (n=10) and Poland (n=8) were allocated to either a foam rolling or a control condition and completed a two-week intervention while continuing regular training. DOMS and TAIKT were assessed before and after the intervention. Absolute change scores (post-pre) were calculated and compared between groups using parametric or nonparametric tests. DOMS decreased following foam rolling in both cohorts (Latvia: U=25, p=0.009; Poland: t(6)=2.80, p=0.03). TAIKT improved significantly after foam rolling (Latvia: t(8)=-6.39, p<0.001; Poland: t(6)=-8.76, p<0.001). These findings support the feasibility of post-exercise foam rolling as a recovery strategy in martial arts athletes. However, results should be interpreted cautiously given the pilot design, small sample sizes, and ongoing training during the intervention. Larger, controlled studies are required.