Background: Foam rolling (FR) is, compared to dynamic stretch (DS), a relatively new method used in warm-up routines prior athletic performances in for example, sprinting and soccer. The research on the subject is limited and further investigation is needed to better understand about the possible effects of foam rolling on performance. By comparing FR to DS this study focused on how foam rolling may affect sprint time on 20 meter.

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare FR to DS included in warm-up routines prior 20 meter sprint performance. The study was done on young male soccer players.

Method: Fifteen subjects participated in the study aged 16-17 years. A randomized cross over design was used over two test sessions with one week apart. Half group began with FR included in the warm-up routine and half began with DS included in the routine. The fastest sprint times in 20 meter were analyzed in a dependent t-test to investigate possible different effects between the two warm-up routines.

Results: The result showed no statistical significant difference between the two warm-up routines on sprint time (p=0.54). Mean sprint time was 3.05 for FR and 3.05 for DS. Standard deviation (SD) was 0.14 for FR and 0.16 for DS.

Conclusion: This study showed no difference on 20 meter sprinting performance when FR was compared to DS. That indicates that FR as well as DS can be included in warm-up routine prior short sprints without differences in performance. However, studies with larger sample size are needed to investigate the possible affects of foam rolling on physical impact and sprint performance.