This Study Explores Whether Static Stretching and Foam Rolling Intervention of the Calf (Dominant Leg) Can Improve Range of Motion and Balance Similarly to Treatments Applied to the Hamstring (Dominant Leg), Supporting the Concept of Myofascial Chains

This study explores the effects of static stretching (SS) and foam rolling (FR) on the knee's range of motion (ROM) and balance, with particular reference to their application to the calf muscles and their possible influence through the myofascial chain known as the superficial back line (SBL). Balance is an essential skill for maintaining an upright posture and avoiding Falls, especially in people with chronic conditions. The knee plays a crucial role in load-bearing and locomotion, and its function can be limited by reduced muscle flexibility, particularly of the rectus femoris. To counteract this, SS and FR are commonly used strategies to improve ROM and are frequently employed in sports and rehabilitation settings. SS involves holding a muscle in an elongated position for a set period, while FR is a self-massage technique using a roller or massage bar that applies pressure to soft tissues through body weight. Both techniques have been shown to increase ROM, reduce muscle stiffness, and potentially improve athletic performance and recovery. The study also discusses the concept of tensegrity, fascia, and myofascial chains, which explain how different body structures are biomechanically connected. Fascia is described as a tissue capable of transmitting mechanical forces throughout the body, forming a continuum that supports and connects muscles, bones, and other structures. Evidence shows that tension can be transmitted through fascial connections, influencing movement and posture far from the point of force application. The SBL, described by Myers, connects the calf muscles with the hamstrings and posterior structures, implying that interventions on the calf could affect knee mobility similarly to direct hamstrings treatment. The research aimed to verify whether SS and FR protocols applied to the calves could produce similar benefits for knee ROM and balance as those applied to the hamstrings, based on their shared fascial connection. It also sought to compare