Date of Award
2026
Type
Thesis
Major
Master of Science
Degree Type
Master of Science
Department
Kinesiology and Health Sciences
First Advisor
Dr. Kate Early
Second Advisor
Dr. Clayton Nicks
Third Advisor
Dr. Brian Tyo
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine whether acute and chronic foam rolling (FR) affected golf performance in NCAA Division II female collegiate golfers. Methods: Nine trained female collegiate golfers completed pre- and post-testing during the offseason and competitive in-season. Golf performance (club head speed [CHS], ball speed, and carry distance) was measured using the 7-iron and driver. Muscular power was assessed using the countermovement jump and medicine ball throws. A 1-repetition maximum was estimated from a 3-5 repetition strength test. Body composition was determined using bioelectrical impedance (BIA), flexibility was assessed using sit and reach and back scratch tests, and lastly balance was determined from the balance error scoring system. An acute FR session was performed at the beginning of the competitive season with pre- and post-testing. Ten weeks of chronic FR was incorporated with a resistance training program across the competitive season. FR was used to target the upper-body, lower-body, and trunk using a Perform Better™ high-density foam roller. Paired t-tests and repeated measures ANOVA were used to assess differences across testing points, with statistical significance set at p< 0.05. Results: Following the acute FR session, no significant improvements were observed in golf performance measures (p>0.05). After the chronic FR and resistance training intervention, significant improvements were observed in flexibility, balance, lower-body power, rotational power. There were significant improvements in golf performance, including 7-iron carry distance, driver carry distance, and driver CHS. Discussion: These findings suggest that acute FR may be a useful tool as a warm-up strategy to improve flexibility without negatively affecting golf performance. Chronic FR combined with resistance training may show improvements in physical factors that can directly or indirectly improve golf performance in female collegiate golfers. Overall, golf performance is a multifactorial sport and may benefit from a training approach that incorporates flexibility, strength, power, and mobility.
Recommended Citation
Mata-Lopez, Nicole R., "Acute and Chronic Foam Rolling in NCAA Division II Female Golfers" (2026). Theses and Dissertations. 776.
https://csuepress.columbusstate.edu/theses_dissertations/776
