ACE Group Fitness Instructor Practice Exam

What is a common effect of foam rolling on the body?

1. Decreases metabolic rate

2. Relieves muscle soreness

3. Increases muscle size

4. Decreases flexibility

The correct answer is: Relieves muscle soreness

Foam rolling is recognized for its ability to relieve muscle soreness, which is often referred to as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). This technique utilizes self-myofascial release, a method that helps to alleviate tightness in the muscles and fascia, promoting muscle recovery and reducing discomfort after exercise. By applying pressure to specific areas of the body, foam rolling enhances blood flow and circulation, which aids in the removal of metabolic waste products and provides nutrients to the muscles. This physiological response contributes to a quicker recovery, allowing individuals to feel less soreness and stiffness after intense physical activity. The other options do not align with the primary benefits of foam rolling. While it does not decrease metabolic rate, increase muscle size, or decrease flexibility, the primary focus is on its capacity to relieve soreness, making this choice the most accurate regarding the common effects of foam rolling on the body.