Effect of Static Stretching on Dynamic Balance and Performance of the Saudi Recreational Football Players

Abstract

Back ground There have been rather controversial reports that some sport performances are negatively affected by stretching. It is widely believed that pre-exercise static stretching reduces the risk of injury and enhances performance. Several studies reported that pre-exercise static stretching decreases maximal force production, jump height and speed. (Does static stretching has a negative influence on balance and/ or athletic performance?) Aim of study: To determine the effect of static stretching (SS) on static and dynamic balance (DB) and its influence on the performance of the Saudi recreational football players. Material & methods: 40 healthy male Saudi recreational football players, their mean age was 21 years old. Participants were randomly divided into two groups A (n=20) started dynamic balance first then the static balance, while group B (n=20) started the static balance test first and Intervention: Participants at each group were asked to preform static stretching exercises for each muscle group (hamstring, quadriceps, and gastrocnemius) three times. Holding period of SS was 30 seconds with 10 seconds rest. The static balanced (SB) test was measured using “Balance Master System”, while Modified Star Excursion Balance Tests was used to measure the DB. Group A started SB test first and group B started DB test first. Results: The results indicated statistically significant effect for groups (P= 0.017) and for the interaction between group and time (P= 0.001). However, the main effect for time was not significant (P= 0.533). Group B significantly showed better mean score of SB compared to group A in both period (P= 0.017). group B demonstrated slightly lower mean score immediately post stretching which, indicate an improvement of the SB while, group A demonstrated an increase in the mean score of the SB indicating low SB. Conclusion: Static stretching has an immediate (acute) positive effect on the static and dynamic balance of recreational football players. This effect decreased over time.