Effect of Spherical Roller VS Cylindrical Roller MFR on Hamstring Flexibility in Post-Traumatic Knee Stiffness Patients: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Following lower limb trauma or surgery, post-traumatic knee stiffness frequently develops, resulting in hamstring discomfort, tightness, and limited range of motion (ROM). There is little data comparing various roller types, but myofascial release (MFR) treatments are useful for increasing muscular flexibility and decreasing stiffness. In patients with post-traumatic knee stiffness, this experimental comparison study sought to determine how well spherical vs cylindrical roller MFR affected hamstring flexibility and pain relief. The study was carried out at Krishna Hospital in Karad following ethical clearance. Using basic random sampling, forty volunteers between the ages of 20 and 50 were chosen, and they were split evenly into two groups. While Group B utilised a cylindrical foam roller, Group A employed a spherical roller (tennis ball) for self-myofascial release. For two weeks, both groups participated in five 10- to 15-minute sessions per week under the supervision of a physiotherapist. The Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Goniometer were used to measure knee range of motion and pain severity both before and after the intervention. Both groups showed considerable improvement, according to statistical analysis utilising paired and independent t-tests. In contrast to the cylindrical roller group, the spherical roller group had a higher improvement in hamstring flexibility, pain alleviation, and range of motion. According to the study's findings, spherical roller MFR (tennis ball massage) is superior in terms of deeper myofascial release, increased flexibility, and enhanced functional recovery, even if both methods are useful for treating post-traumatic knee stiffness.