Study Summary

Forty male athletes with limited ankle dorsiflexion (<10° DF-ROM) were randomized to receive tissue flossing or static stretching. The primary outcome of interest was ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM). Other outcomes included plantarflexion ROM, isokinetic dorsiflexion and plantarflexion strength, Y-balance test performance, and Sargent jump test performance. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, after 6 weeks of intervention, and after a 6 week detraining period. Overall, the results of the study revealed that tissue flossing produced significantly greater improvements in ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion ROM, dorsiflexion strength, and dynamic balance compared with static stretching, with several benefits partially retained after detraining. However, neither intervention significantly improved vertical jump performance. These findings suggest that tissue flossing may be an effective long-term strategy for improving ankle mobility and neuromuscular function in athletes with restricted dorsiflexion.