Effect of tissue flossing on eccentric exercise-induced muscle 
damage: A randomized controlled trial

Jianxin Chen; Fang Cheng; Jinqi Yang; Jinfeng Yang; Jianxin Ran; Yuanpeng Liao

doi:10.5114/biolsport.2025.147019

eISSN: 2083-1862
ISSN: 0860-021X

Biology of Sport

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abstract:

Original paper

Effect of tissue flossing on eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage: A randomized controlled trial

Jianxin Chen

¹

,

Fang Cheng

¹

,

Jinqi Yang

¹

,

Jinfeng Yang

¹

,

Jianxin Ran

¹

,

Yuanpeng Liao

^{1, 2}

Institute of Sports Medicine and Health, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu 610041, China
Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu 610041, China

Biol Sport. 2025;42(3):177–184

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2025.147019

Online publish date: 2025/02/05

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Tissue flossing (TF) is a novel technique designed to improve muscle and joint function and performance. This study investigated the effects of TF on exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) in 24 males randomized into TF (n = 12) or control (CON, n = 12) groups. Participants performed dominant thigh quadriceps isokinetic eccentric exercises to induce EIMD, 10 sets × 12 repetitions. The TF group performed TF interventions (active movement during floss band wrapping, three times a session) immediately after and 24–48 h postexercise. Creatine kinase (CK), knee extensor eccentric strength, pressure pain threshold (PPT), and deep fascia sliding (DFS) of quadriceps were measured at baseline and 24, 48, and 72 h postexercise. CK levels significantly increased over time postexercise, with CON showing a greater increase than TF (all p < 0.05). Knee extensor eccentric strength returned to baseline levels for TF at 48 h (= 0.081) and CON at 72 h (= 0.058), with TF showing greater improvement postexercise (all p < 0.05). Both groups’ rectus femoris PPT returned to baseline at 72 h (TF, = 0.303; CON, = 0.272). However, only TF returned to baseline in the vastus medialis PPT and DFS at 72 h and the vastus lateralis DFS at 48 h (all p > 0.05). Furthermore, the PPT and DFS of the vastus medialis and lateralis were significantly greater in TF than in CON over time postexercise (all p < 0.05). Overall, TF is an effective strategy for alleviating EIMD after high-intensity exercise.

keywords:

Effect of tissue flossing on eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage: A randomized controlled trial

Jianxin Chen 1 , Fang Cheng 1 , Jinqi Yang 1 , Jinfeng Yang 1 , Jianxin Ran 1 , Yuanpeng Liao 1, 2

Creatine kinase, Fascia, Delayed onset muscle soreness, Tissue flossing, Muscle strength

Jianxin Chen

¹

,

Fang Cheng

¹

,

Jinqi Yang

¹

,

Jinfeng Yang

¹

,

Jianxin Ran

¹

,

Yuanpeng Liao

^{1, 2}