Background: the use of stretching techniques in the sports world is frequent and common thanks to their many effects. One of the main benefits of stretching is an increased range of motion (ROM). Recently, the use of a foam roller has spread in sports practice due to benefits that are similar to those of shoes observed in stretching. The objective of the following study was to compare the results of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching (PNF) with foam rolling (FR). Methods: The design of the study was a single-blind, randomized controlled trial (clinicaltrial.gov NCT05134883), and the participants were 80 healthy young athletes. The range of motion was evaluated with a modified sit-and-reach test before, during (at 30 s), and at the end of the intervention (at 2 min). The subject’s discomfort sensation was measured using the Borg scale. Effect sizes were calculated using Cohen’s d coefficient. Volunteers were randomized into the PNF group or FR group. Results: the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001) during the intervention in favor of PNF group. The differences at the end of intervention showed that the PNF group had a greater increase in flexibility, with this difference being statically significant (p < 0.001). The sensation of perceived exertion with PNF at the end of the intervention was similarly classified as moderate for both groups. Conclusion: Despite the fact that the use of FR is spreading in the field of sports and rehabilitation, the results of the present study suggest that the gain in flexibility in the hamstrings is greater if PNF-type stretches are used instead of FR.

This study aimed to evaluate changes in neuromuscular function and pain perception in latent trigger points (TrPs) in the gastrocnemius muscle after a single session of dry needling. A randomized within-participant clinical trial was conducted. Fifty volunteers with latent TrPs in the gastrocnemius muscles were explored. Each extremity was randomly assigned to a control or experimental (dry needling) group. Viscoelastic parameters and contractile properties were analyzed by tensiomyography. Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion was assessed with the lunge test. Pressure pain thresholds (PPT) and pain perceived were also analyzed. The results observed that three viscoelastic proprieties (myotonometry) showed significant differences in favor of the experimental extremity in the lateral gastrocnemius: stiffness (p = 0.02), relaxation (p = 0.045), and creep (p = 0.03), but not in the medial gastrocnemius. No changes in tensiomyography outcomes were found. The control extremity showed a higher increase in PPTs (i.e., decrease in pressure pain sensitivity) than the experimental extremity (p = 0.03). No significant effects for range of motion or strength were observed. In general, gender did not influence the effects of dry needling over latent TrPs in the gastrocnemius muscle. In conclusion, a single session of dry needling was able to change some parameters of neuromuscular function, such as muscle tone, relaxation, pressure pain sensitivity, and creep in the lateral (but not medial) gastrocnemius but did not improve strength or range of motion.

Background: Lateral ankle sprains can result in adverse outcomes, including reinjuries or chronic ankle instability. The peroneal musculature plays a key role in stabilizing the ankle and preventing sudden ankle inversions that may lead to sprains. Objective: The purpose of the study is to investigate (1) inter-limb differences in peroneal myoelectrical activity in athletes with a history of ankle sprain during the past six months and (2) to investigate peroneal myoelectrical activity differences between athletes with and without a history of ankle sprain. Methods: Sixty-seven athletes (53% females, 46.3% males) were included in this observational cross-sectional study. Self-reported data regarding history of ankle sprain were collected. The peroneal myoelectrical activity was obtained during (1) isometric ankle eversion, (2) dynamic ankle eversions, (3) single leg squat, (4) unilateral and (5) bilateral drop jump test, (6) sprint, and (7) change of direction. Results: No significant differences in peroneal myoelectrical activity were observed between individuals with (n = 46) and without (n = 21) a history of ankle sprain in the past six months (p > 0.05). Additionally, no significant inter-limb differences were found within the previous ankle sprain group (p > 0.05). Conclusions: This study found no significant inter-limb differences in peroneal muscle activity among athletes with a history of ankle sprain during the past six months. Moreover, no differences were observed between athletes with and without a history of ankle sprain. This study has certain limitations, including the lack of data regarding the timing and severity of the ankle sprain, as well as the duration and specific characteristics of the rehabilitation process.

Background/Objectives: Neuromuscular functions (NMFs) encompass biomechanical and viscoelastic properties that are essential for coordinated movement and muscular control. While NMFs have been extensively investigated in the lower limb, normative data for the upper extremity remain limited, particularly regarding the interaction between neuromuscular properties, superficial fascia, and body composition. As body composition and fascial characteristics may influence neuromuscular behavior and the interpretation of mechanical measurements, this study aimed to establish reference values for upper limb NMF, analyze dominance-related differences, and investigate the relationship between superficial fascia thickness and body mass composition. Methods: A descriptive, non-experimental study was conducted involving 61 healthy adults (122 upper limbs). Assessments included body composition (bioimpedance), superficial fascia thickness (skinfolds), viscoelastic properties (MyotonPro), and isometric strength (handheld dynamometry). Standardized protocols were applied for all measurements. Comparisons were performed between sexes and between dominant and non-dominant limbs. Correlation analyses explored associations between NMF, adiposity, and fascia parameters. Results: Dominant limbs showed slightly greater strength; however, these differences were not statistically significant. Viscoelastic properties were largely symmetrical between limbs, with minimal dominance-related differences. Clear sex differences were observed: men demonstrated greater strength, lean mass, and increased stiffness, whereas women presented higher skinfold thickness and lower muscle tone. Weak correlations were identified between stiffness, relaxation, and strength, as well as between adiposity and superficial fascia thickness. Greater adipose thickness was associated with lower stiffness values in the triceps (rho= −0304; iC95% 0.041/0.528; p = 0.017). Conclusions: Upper limb neuromuscular properties exhibit high bilateral symmetry, with limb dominance influencing strength. Sex and body composition significantly modulate both viscoelastic and functional parameters. These findings provide normative reference values and highlight the relevance of considering body composition and fascial characteristics when assessing neuromuscular function in clinical and sports contexts.