Effect of Self-Myofascial Release with Foam Rolling on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness DOMS: A Systematic Review

Authors

  • Cristhian Paul Vargas Robalino Investigador Independiente https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4780-6952
  • Ximena Patricia León Quinapallo Universidad Central del Ecuador. Quito-Ecuador
  • Marco Vinicio Narváez Sánchez Universidad Estatal Península de Santa Elena. Santa Elena-Ecuador
  • Olyvert Jonathan Benítez Chica Colegio Ecuatoriano Español América Latina. Quito-Ecuador

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56200/mentor.v5i14.10758

Keywords:

pain, recovery, muofascial, performance, inflammation

Abstract

DOMS affects performance and recovery following eccentric exercise, and Foam Rolling has emerged as an accessible recovery strategy. The objective of this study was to analyze scientific evidence published between 2020 and 2025 regarding the effects of myofascial release using Foam Rolling on the reduction of DOMS, determining its physiological and functional benefits. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines in PubMed and ScienceDirect, including five experimental studies with control groups. The findings indicate a significant reduction in DOMS between 48 and 72 hours post-exercise. Improvements were observed in VAS scores, biochemical markers, and physical performance. Methodological quality was moderate and consistent across studies. Foam Rolling demonstrates moderate evidence for reducing DOMS and enhancing functional recovery. However, methodological and population limitations persist. Standardized, longitudinal studies with greater diversity are required to strengthen clinical and practical recommendations.

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Author Biographies

Cristhian Paul Vargas Robalino, Investigador Independiente

Investigador Independiente

Ximena Patricia León Quinapallo , Universidad Central del Ecuador. Quito-Ecuador

Universidad Central del Ecuador. Quito-Ecuador

Marco Vinicio Narváez Sánchez , Universidad Estatal Península de Santa Elena. Santa Elena-Ecuador

Universidad Estatal Península de Santa Elena. Santa Elena-Ecuador

Olyvert Jonathan Benítez Chica , Colegio Ecuatoriano Español América Latina. Quito-Ecuador

Colegio Ecuatoriano Español América Latina. Quito-Ecuador

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Published

2026-05-15

How to Cite

Vargas Robalino, C. P., León Quinapallo , X. P., Narváez Sánchez , M. V., & Benítez Chica , O. J. (2026). Effect of Self-Myofascial Release with Foam Rolling on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness DOMS: A Systematic Review. MENTOR Revista De investigación Educativa Y Deportiva , 5(14), 388–398. https://doi.org/10.56200/mentor.v5i14.10758

Issue

Section

Review Articles

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