The Effects of Self-Myofascial Release on Physical Fitness and Swing Performance in Male Collegiate Golfers in China

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Self-Myofascial Release (SMR) Program: The intervention involves a structured 6-week Self-Myofascial Release (SMR) program using foam rollers and massage balls. Participants perform standardized SMR exercises targeting major muscle groups relevant to golf performance, including the calves, hamstrings, glutes, back, shoulders, and thoracic spine. The intervention is conducted three times per week, with each session lasting approximately 30 minutes. Exercises are demonstrated and monitored by certified instructors. The control group continues regular physical activities without SMR.

Golf-Related Video Viewing (Attention Control): Participants in the control group did not receive any self-myofascial release (SMR) intervention. They followed the same daily training schedule, accommodation, and meals as the SMR group. Instead of engaging in SMR exercises, participants in the control group engaged in supervised viewing of golf-related instructional videos or documentaries three times per week, approximately 30 minutes per session, after 7:00 PM in a designated classroom. This viewing schedule was matched in timing and frequency to the SMR group's intervention sessions. No flexibility, mobility, or soft tissue techniques were included in the control group's activities. The sessions were conducted collectively in the same setting and at the same time as the SMR group to control for attention and environmental bias. Attendance and compliance were closely monitored by supervisors to ensure adherence.

Study summary

This is a randomized controlled trial aimed at evaluating the effects of a self-myofascial release (SMR) program on physical fitness and swing performance in male collegiate golfers in China. The primary purpose is to determine whether SMR, using foam rollers and massage balls, can improve joint mobility, core control, balance, and golf-specific swing outcomes.

The study seeks to answer the following key questions:

Can an 8-week SMR program enhance physical functions such as mobility, balance, and trunk control in male collegiate golfers?

Can SMR improve key performance indicators of golf swing, including club head speed, ball speed, carry distance, and accuracy?

Participants (n=60) will be healthy male collegiate golfers aged 18-25, randomly assigned to either an experimental group (SMR) or a time-matched control group (no SMR). Both groups will undergo 8 weeks of golf training in a centralized camp with identical accommodations and practice schedules.

The SMR group will perform supervised self-myofascial release exercises using Decathlon-brand foam rollers and balls, three times per week (30 min/session) in the gym after regular training.

The control group will engage in supervised 30-minute sessions of passive golf-related video watching, scheduled at the same time and environment as the SMR sessions.

Assessments will be conducted at Week 0 (baseline), Week 4 (midpoint), and Week 8 (post-intervention). Testing will include range-of-motion (ROM) measurements, balance tasks, strength/stability exercises, and golf swing performance using a TrackMan Launch Monitor. All outcome assessors will be blinded to group allocation to minimize bias.

The study aims to provide evidence on whether SMR is an effective training strategy to enhance functional movement and sports-specific performance in amateur golfers.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Driver Club Head Speed — Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session
  Club head speed during driver shots was measured using the TrackMan 3 Launch Monitor (TrackMan A/S, Vedbæk, Denmark) at a designated driving range. Participants were tested in groups of ten, using their own drivers (1-wood) for consistency. Prior to testing, each participant completed a supervised dynamic warm-up and five warm-up swings. They then performed five full-effort swings. Club head speed, defined as the velocity of the club head at ball impact, was recorded in miles per hour (mph). The average of the three most consistent shots (within 10% variance in ball flight) was used for analysis. All sessions were conducted at the same time of day under standardized environmental conditions, with new Titleist Pro V1 balls, fixed tee height, and pre-calibrated TrackMan settings.
• Driver Carry Distance — Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session
  Carry distance for driver shots was measured using the TrackMan 3 Launch Monitor (TrackMan A/S, Vedbæk, Denmark) at a designated driving range. All participants were tested in batches of ten and used their own 1-wood driver for consistency. Prior to testing, each participant completed a supervised dynamic warm-up and five warm-up swings. They then performed five full-effort swings. Carry distance was defined as the straight-line distance from the point of impact to where the ball first touched the ground, recorded in yards. The average of the three most consistent shots (with less than 10% variance in flight distance) was used for analysis. All tests were conducted under consistent environmental conditions (time of day, lighting, temperature) using standardized tee height and new Titleist Pro V1 balls. The TrackMan was recalibrated before each session.
• Driver Side Deviation — Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session
  Driver side deviation was used to evaluate the lateral accuracy of tee shots with the driver (1-wood). Measurements were collected using the TrackMan 3 Launch Monitor (TrackMan A/S, Vedbæk, Denmark), a radar-based device validated for golf performance analysis. Each participant used their personal driver to maintain equipment familiarity. After completing a standardized dynamic warm-up and five practice swings, participants executed five full-effort swings. Side deviation was defined as the absolute horizontal distance (in yards) between the ball's landing point and the intended target line, regardless of whether the miss was left or right. The three most consistent shots-those within a 10% variance in carry distance-were selected, and their average side deviation was calculated for analysis. Testing was conducted on the same designated driving range under consistent environmental conditions, including time of day, lighting, and temperature. New Titleist Pro V1 balls.
• Driver Shot Proximity to Target — Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session
  Proximity to target was measured to assess the directional and distance accuracy of driver shots using the TrackMan 3 Launch Monitor (TrackMan A/S, Vedbæk, Denmark). Each participant used their own 1-wood (driver) and performed five full-effort swings after completing a supervised dynamic warm-up and five warm-up swings. The test target was a fixed point on the driving range aligned with the intended launch line. Proximity was defined as the straight-line distance (in yards) between the ball's final landing position and the designated target. Among the five attempts, the three shots with the most consistent carry distances (within 10% variance) were selected for analysis, and the average proximity value was calculated. All tests were conducted at the same driving range location under standardized conditions, including consistent time of day, lighting, temperature, and wind. TrackMan was recalibrated before each session, and a standardized tee height and new Titleist Pro V1 balls.
• Iron Club Head Speed — Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session
  Iron club head speed was measured using the TrackMan 3 Launch Monitor (TrackMan A/S, Vedbæk, Denmark) to evaluate swing velocity during mid-iron shots. Participants used their own 7-iron club to ensure familiarity and consistency. Testing took place at a standardized driving range, with participants divided into batches of ten. Prior to data collection, each participant performed a supervised dynamic warm-up followed by five warm-up swings using their 7-iron. During testing, participants completed five full-effort swings. Club head speed was defined as the velocity of the club head at the exact moment of ball impact, expressed in miles per hour (mph). The average club head speed was calculated from the three most consistent shots, defined as those within a 10% variance in carry distance. All sessions were conducted at the same location and time of day under stable environmental conditions. The TrackMan device was recalibrated before each use, and standardized tee height and new Titlei
• Iron Club Carry Distance — Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session
  Iron carry distance was measured using the TrackMan 3 Launch Monitor (TrackMan A/S, Vedbæk, Denmark), a radar-based system commonly employed in golf performance analysis. Each participant used their personal 7-iron club to ensure comfort and familiarity. Testing was conducted at a consistent outdoor driving range setting, with participants grouped in batches of ten. Before testing, a standardized dynamic warm-up was completed under supervision, followed by five warm-up swings using the 7-iron. During the test, each participant performed five full-effort swings. Carry distance was defined as the horizontal distance the ball traveled through the air from the point of impact to its first landing point, measured in yards. For analysis, the average carry distance of the three most consistent shots-those falling within 10% variance in ball flight-was calculated. Testing was carried out at the same time of day under stable weather and lighting conditions to reduce variability.
• Iron Club Side Deviation — Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session
  Iron side deviation was assessed using the TrackMan 3 Launch Monitor (TrackMan A/S, Vedbæk, Denmark) to determine the lateral accuracy of 7-iron shots. Each participant used their own 7-iron club and performed five full-effort swings following a supervised dynamic warm-up and five preparatory swings. Side deviation was defined as the lateral distance in yards between the ball's landing point and the target line, irrespective of whether the deviation was left or right. For consistency, the three most accurate shots-defined as those with carry distance variation within 10%-were selected, and the average side deviation among them was calculated. Testing was conducted at the same outdoor driving range, in controlled environmental conditions (time of day, lighting, and temperature), and under supervision. Standardized tee height and new Titleist Pro V1 balls were used across all participants. The TrackMan device was recalibrated prior to each testing session to ensure measurement accuracy.
• Iron Club Shot Proximity to Target — Week 0 (Pre-test): 1 day before intervention Week 4 (Mid-test): Day 28 ± 2 Week 9 (Post-test): 2 days after final SMR session
  Proximity for iron shots was measured using the TrackMan 3 Launch Monitor (TrackMan A/S, Vedbæk, Denmark) to assess target accuracy during 7-iron play. Each participant used their own 7-iron and performed five full-effort swings toward a designated pin positioned 130 yards away. Following a standardized dynamic warm-up and five warm-up swings, participants proceeded with the test. Proximity was defined as the straight-line distance from the ball's landing point to the center of the intended target. The three most accurate shots-based on consistent ball flight and carry distance within 10% variance-were selected, and their average proximity was calculated in yards. All tests were conducted at the same outdoor driving range under consistent environmental conditions (lighting, temperature, time of day), using new Titleist Pro V1 balls and fixed tee height. Testing was supervised by trained staff, and the TrackMan system was recalibrated before each session to ensure data precision.

Trial sites (1)

Other trials for the same condition