TENS Versus Foam Rolling for Muscle Recovery After Eccentric Exercise in Elite Female Volleyball Players

Purpose: This study compared two recovery methods-transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and foam rolling (FR)-for muscle recovery after intense exercise in elite female volleyball players. Background: Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is common after intense training and can reduce athletic performance. TENS uses mild electrical currents applied through the skin to reduce pain and improve blood flow. Foam rolling uses a cylindrical device to apply pressure to muscles. Both methods are widely used by athletes, but no previous study has directly compared them in elite female volleyball players. Participants: Thirty elite female volleyball players from Iran's Premier League, aged 18-28 years, with at least five years of competitive experience. Procedures: Participants completed a demanding lower-body exercise protocol designed to induce muscle soreness. They were then randomly assigned to one of three groups: TENS group: received electrical stimulation to thigh muscles for 20 minutes Foam rolling group: performed self-massage with a foam roller for 20 minutes Control group: rested quietly for 20 minutes Interventions were applied 30 minutes after exercise and repeated 24 hours later. Outcomes Measured: Blood marker of muscle damage (creatine kinase \[CK\]) Vertical jump height Anaerobic sprint power Muscle soreness Measurements were taken before exercise and at 1, 24, and 48 hours afterward. Hypothesis: Both active recovery methods would reduce muscle damage markers and preserve jumping ability better than passive rest, with TENS potentially providing faster benefits.