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

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.

Conditions

• Range of Motion, Articular
• Physical Fitness
• Golf Specific Performance

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

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.

BEHAVIORAL

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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Yang Qi

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Kim Geok Soh, Professor · Faculty of Educational Studies

• Qi Yang, PHD · Faculty of Educational Studies

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

25 Years

Sex

MALE

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-08-01

Primary Completion

2025-10-01

Completion

2025-10-02

Countries

• China

Study Locations