Very interesting, engaging and well written. Looks fun. Makes sense. Any actual outcome-based data or references (besides it works for you and you look good doings it)
Really fair question, thanks for pushing on it. To be upfront: there's no large RCT specifically titled "rolling improves aging outcomes" that I can point you to. This isn't a heavily funded area of research the way, say, resistance training for bone density is.
That said, it's not just anecdote either. It draws on a few established bodies of research:
- I would point you to developmental kinesiology, mainly Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) that highlights how rolling patterns develop in infancy.
- Also look at Vestibular and Proprioceptive training research - there is solid data on vestibular proprioceptive work reducing fall risk and helping older adults with their balance. Rolling is one of the more “impactful” ways to load that system (rolling works on 3 planes of motion at the same time).
- Fascial sling research (look at Myer’s Anatomy Trains, Frans Bosch’s work on rotational elasticity) - these both support the idea that the body has diagonal connections (think of a 3 dimensional “X” in your body made up of muscular and fascial slings) that help us walk.
I don’t have study that isolates "rolling" as the single variable and measures long term outcomes in adults. Most of the support is inference from adjacent, well studied domains, plus clinical/coaching observation over time.
So the honest answer: strong theoretical and clinical rationale, weak direct evidence base. I'd rather tell you that than pretend otherwise. If you're the type who wants primary sources, I'm happy to point you toward the DNS and vestibular rehab literature specifically.
My dogs are VERY excited about incorporating rolling on the floor into my routine.
Haha I love it!! We gotta keep our dogs happy!!
might have to give rolling a try!
It's a game changer. Let me know how it goes.
Very interesting, engaging and well written. Looks fun. Makes sense. Any actual outcome-based data or references (besides it works for you and you look good doings it)
Really fair question, thanks for pushing on it. To be upfront: there's no large RCT specifically titled "rolling improves aging outcomes" that I can point you to. This isn't a heavily funded area of research the way, say, resistance training for bone density is.
That said, it's not just anecdote either. It draws on a few established bodies of research:
- I would point you to developmental kinesiology, mainly Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) that highlights how rolling patterns develop in infancy.
- Also look at Vestibular and Proprioceptive training research - there is solid data on vestibular proprioceptive work reducing fall risk and helping older adults with their balance. Rolling is one of the more “impactful” ways to load that system (rolling works on 3 planes of motion at the same time).
- Fascial sling research (look at Myer’s Anatomy Trains, Frans Bosch’s work on rotational elasticity) - these both support the idea that the body has diagonal connections (think of a 3 dimensional “X” in your body made up of muscular and fascial slings) that help us walk.
I don’t have study that isolates "rolling" as the single variable and measures long term outcomes in adults. Most of the support is inference from adjacent, well studied domains, plus clinical/coaching observation over time.
So the honest answer: strong theoretical and clinical rationale, weak direct evidence base. I'd rather tell you that than pretend otherwise. If you're the type who wants primary sources, I'm happy to point you toward the DNS and vestibular rehab literature specifically.