EFFECT OF FOAM ROLLING FOLLOWED BY CRYOTHERAPY VERSUS CRYOTHERAPY FOLLOWED BY FOAM ROLLING ON PAIN AND RANGE OF MOTION FOR DELAYED ONSET MUSCLE SORENESS IN AMATEUR BODY BUILDERS” A COMPARATIVE STUDY

BACKGROUND: DOMS develops after resistance training especially after the increase in intensity and volume of training, the order of exercise is changed or a new training regime is performed. Different cryotherapies–such as Cold water immersion and ice packs–have been used for post-exercise recovery in a variety of sports. Purpose of this study was to assess whether foam rolling or cryotherapy is the first line treatment for DOMS on elbow flexor in amateur body builders. METHODOLOGY: Twenty amateur body builders both males and females with 6 months of resistance training were included in the study. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were assessed, informed consent was obtained and ethical clearance was obtained from the institution. Subjects were then divided into 2 groups, group A (n=10) cryotherapy followed by foam rolling. Group B (n=10) foam rolling followed by cryotherapy. Pre-and post-measurement was taken by VAS for pain and goniometer for ROM. RESULTS: Group A received cryotherapy followed by foam rolling showed mean reduction in pre-VAS score of 6.9 to post score of 4.5 and pre-ROM for elbow flexion mean score of 89 improved to post score of 127.2. Group B received foam rolling followed by cryotherapy which showed mean reduction in pre-VAS score of 7 to post score of 3.5 and pre-ROM for elbow flexion mean score of 92.1 improved to post score of 118.9. CONCLUSION: Foam rolling followed by cryotherapy resulted in decrease in pain significantly. Cryotherapy followed by foam rolling had a significant effect in increase in ROM rather than reduction in pain.