RESEARCH PAPER
Post-exercise foam rolling as a recovery strategy for performance outcomes in martial arts athletes: a pilot study from Latvian and Polish cohorts
1
RSU Latvian Academy of Sport Education, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
2
Faculty of Physical Education and Health, Biała Podlaska, Jozef Pilsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Poland
3
Faculty of Health Sciences, John Paul II University in Biala Podlaska, Poland
4
Sports Healthcare Research Center, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
5
Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
Submission date: 2026-01-13
Acceptance date: 2026-01-14
Online publication date: 2026-02-03
Corresponding author
Joanna Baj-Korpak
Faculty of Health Sciences, John Paul II University in Biała Podlaska, Sidorska 95/97, 21-500 Biała Podlaska, Poland
Faculty of Health Sciences, John Paul II University in Biała Podlaska, Sidorska 95/97, 21-500 Biała Podlaska, Poland
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Background:
This pilot study examined the feasibility and preliminary effects of a two-week post-exercise foam rolling intervention on delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and kicking performance (TAIKT) in martial arts athletes.
Material and methods:
Martial arts athletes from Latvia (n=10) and Poland (n=8) were allocated to either a foam rolling or a control condition and completed a two-week intervention while continuing regular training. DOMS and TAIKT were assessed before and after the intervention. Absolute change scores (post-pre) were calculated and compared between groups using parametric or nonparametric tests.
Results:
DOMS decreased following foam rolling in both cohorts (Latvia: U=25, p=0.009; Poland: t(6)=2.80, p=0.03). TAIKT improved significantly after foam rolling (Latvia: t(8)=-6.39, p<0.001; Poland: t(6)=-8.76, p<0.001).
Conclusions:
These findings support the feasibility of post-exercise foam rolling as a recovery strategy in martial arts athletes. However, results should be interpreted cautiously given the pilot design, small sample sizes, and ongoing training during the intervention. Larger, controlled studies are required.
This pilot study examined the feasibility and preliminary effects of a two-week post-exercise foam rolling intervention on delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and kicking performance (TAIKT) in martial arts athletes.
Material and methods:
Martial arts athletes from Latvia (n=10) and Poland (n=8) were allocated to either a foam rolling or a control condition and completed a two-week intervention while continuing regular training. DOMS and TAIKT were assessed before and after the intervention. Absolute change scores (post-pre) were calculated and compared between groups using parametric or nonparametric tests.
Results:
DOMS decreased following foam rolling in both cohorts (Latvia: U=25, p=0.009; Poland: t(6)=2.80, p=0.03). TAIKT improved significantly after foam rolling (Latvia: t(8)=-6.39, p<0.001; Poland: t(6)=-8.76, p<0.001).
Conclusions:
These findings support the feasibility of post-exercise foam rolling as a recovery strategy in martial arts athletes. However, results should be interpreted cautiously given the pilot design, small sample sizes, and ongoing training during the intervention. Larger, controlled studies are required.
| eISSN: | 2354-0265 |
| ISSN: | 2353-6942 |
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