This study examined the effects of vibrating foam rollers (VR) on delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), inflammatory response, and athletic performance. Eighteen experienced adult runners (average running experience: 6 years) participated in a crossover study with three recovery interventions: vibrating roller (VR), non-vibrating roller (NVR), and static stretching (SS). DOMS was induced through downhill treadmill running. Each intervention targeted four muscle groups bilaterally (gluteal, anterior/posterior thigh, anterior/posterior calf) for 30 seconds per group using a vibration frequency of 28 Hz for the VR condition. Blood samples were taken at baseline (T0), 24 hours (T24), and 48 hours (T48) post-exercise to assess creatine kinase (CK), C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Lower limb flexibility, muscle stiffness, vertical jump performance, and Y-balance test (YBT) were also measured. Eleven participants experienced DOMS and completed studies. No significant interaction effects were observed for any outcome variable. Hamstrings flexibility, YBT scores, and CK levels showed significant time effects, indicating natural recovery over 48 hours. Group differences in CK and YBT remained unchanged over time, indicating no intervention was more effective. In addition, muscle stiffness, jump performance, CRP, and IL-6 levels did not differ between interventions. VR, NVR, and SS produced similar short-term recovery outcomes, with no intervention showing clear superiority. Overall, the changes observed within 48 hours reflected general physiological recovery rather than distinct benefits from any specific intervention.

• This was the first study to examine the effects of a single bout of vibrating foam rollers (VR) on delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), inflammation, and performance recovery in experienced runners.

• Flexibility, balance performance, and creatine kinase levels improved over 48 hours, consistent with normal post-exercise recovery.

• Muscle stiffness, jump performance, C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6 did not show significant changes across the interventions.

• None of a single bout of three modalities demonstrated superior effects; VR, NVR, and SS resulted in comparable short-term recovery outcomes.

• These findings indicate that recovery from DOMS during the first 48 hours mainly follows the body’s natural healing process, with no clear added benefit from any specific intervention.