Stretching the limits: A systematic review of tissue flossing’s impact on exercise performance

Background Tissue flossing, a novel intervention utilizing elastic bands to modulate blood flow, has garnered interest in sports medicine and rehabilitation. This study aimed to systematically review the efficacy of tissue flossing in enhancing exercise performance and accelerating recovery. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases for studies evaluating tissue flossing’s effects on performance metrics and recovery outcomes. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials and crossover trials involving athletes and physically active individuals. Results A meta-analysis was conducted to further assess the collective efficacy of tissue flossing interventions. Four studies met the inclusion criteria, revealing significant improvements in ankle range of motion, flexibility, and muscle function following tissue flossing interventions. Notable enhancements were observed in joint mobility, muscle strength, and landing stabilization. However, variations in methodologies and small sample sizes were noted across studies, indicating a need for further research. Conclusions Tissue flossing shows promise as an intervention to enhance exercise performance and facilitate recovery, particularly in improving joint mobility and muscle function. The meta-analysis reinforced these findings, demonstrating statistically significant improvements across key outcome measures. While the results are encouraging, the heterogeneity of study designs underscores the necessity for additional research to establish optimal protocols and elucidate underlying mechanisms. Integration of tissue flossing into clinical practice and athletic training holds potential to optimize outcomes for individuals across diverse populations and settings.