Author(s): TEO, J., MUKHERJEE, S., Institution: NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY, Country: SINGAPORE, Abstract-ID: 981

INTRODUCTION:
Tissue Flossing (TF) as a self-myofascial release technique has gained attention as a pre-activity intervention to improve range-of-motion (ROM) and athletic performance [1]. While acute effects have been documented, the chronic adaptations of TF remain unclear. Furthermore, recent studies have used floss bands to only induce occlusion on stationary participants [2] as opposed to the originally popularised protocol involving both occlusion and movement under compression [3]. This study compared the effects of a 4-week Active vs Passive TF intervention on ankle dorsiflexion ROM (DFROM), muscle stiffness, and vertical jump performance.
METHODS:
Twenty-five high-intensity intermittent team sport athletes (age: 23±4years; height: 175.9 ± 6.7cm; weight: 72.0 ± 8.9kg) were randomized into Active TF (ATF; n =13) and Passive TF (PTF; n=12) groups. Both groups underwent a 4-week intervention (3 sessions/week) with a floss band applied to the calf (180mmHg). ATF performed active ankle mobilizations during the occlusion, while PTF remained stationary. Outcome measures included the weight-bearing lunge test (WBLT) for DFROM, MyotonPro assessment for medial gastrocnemius stiffness, and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance (flight time and time-to-takeoff). A two-way mixed ANOVA assessed Group x Time interactions.
RESULTS:
There was a significant main effect of Time for DFROM (p < 0.05), with both ATF (+4.2±1.5°) and PTF (+3.8±1.8°) significantly increasing ankle mobility over 4 weeks, but no significant difference between protocols. Crucially, there was no significant Group x Time interaction for muscle stiffness. CMJ performance remained stable, as neither flight time nor time-to-takeoff showed significant changes (p > 0.05), indicating preservation of explosive power output.
CONCLUSION:
A 4-week TF intervention significantly improved ankle mobility in male HIITS athletes regardless of whether active movement was included in the protocol. Importantly, this gain in DFROM occurred without the reduction in muscle stiffness often associated with static stretching [4]. Consequently, TF represents a viable modality for athletes in power-dependent sports as it enhances mobility without compromising the mechanical stiffness required for explosive performance.

[1] Cheatham 2014/ [2] Chen 2025/ [3] Starrett 2015/ [4] Simic 2013