Effect of Foam Rolling and Active Stretching on Pain, Single Leg Balance and Ankle Range of Motion in College-Going Students With Calf Pain

Calf pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint among young adults and can significantly affect functional activities such as balance, gait, and ankle mobility. Various physiotherapeutic interventions, including foam rolling and active stretching, are commonly used to alleviate symptoms; however, comparative evidence regarding their effectiveness remains limited. The present study aimed to compare the effects of foam rolling and active stretching on pain, single-leg balance, and ankle range of motion in college-going students with calf pain. A comparative experimental study was conducted on 30 participants aged 18–25 years who were randomly allocated into two groups: Group A (foam rolling with conventional therapy) and Group B (active stretching with conventional therapy). Interventions were administered three times per week for three weeks. Outcome measures included pain assessed using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), single-leg balance assessed using the Y-Balance Test (YBT), and ankle range of motion measured using a goniometer. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in pain reduction, balance, and ankle range of motion following the intervention. Foam rolling showed greater improvement in pain reduction and plantarflexion range of motion, whereas both groups showed comparable improvements in dorsiflexion. Improvements in single-leg balance were observed in both groups, with slightly better outcomes in the foam rolling group, although the difference was not statistically significant. The findings suggest that both foam rolling and active stretching are effective interventions for managing calf pain and improving functional performance. However, foam rolling may provide additional benefits in enhancing balance and ankle mobility. These interventions can be incorporated into physiotherapy rehabilitation programs for young adults with calf pain.