PMS57 - Differences in the Flexibility of Muscles of Athletes Doing Weight Training and Functional Training

Abstract

The aim of our research was to examine the warm-up and stretching habits of people doing weight training and functional training such as CrossFit, and compare the flexibility of their musculature. The type of research was prospective, quantitative and cross-sectional. 40 athletes took part in the research (N=40), 20 doing weight training, and 20 doing CrossFit. The athletes performed these physical activities at least three times a week. To explore the warm-up and stretching habits of the athletes, a self-made questionnaire was used, furthermore special muscle flexibility tests were conducted to examine the effects of these activities on specific muscle groups. The investigation was performed using Chi-square test and dual sample T test. Analysis was made with SPSS 20.0 and Microsoft Office Excel. The significance level was defined to be 5%. In terms of the male athletes, the flexibility of the muscles in the region of the shoulder (p=0,003), hip (p=0,031), hamstring (p=0,004) and adductor (p=0,000) were significantly lower in the ones doing weight. Among female athletes, substantial difference was observed between muscles around the shoulder (p=0,008) and adductor (p=0,001). It was also concluded, that CrossFit athletes tend to spend more time performing warm-up exercises (p=0,0002) before and stretching exercises (p=0,0000) after training. The flexibility of the shoulder and hamstring are not sufficient among athletes doing weight training. Based on the results of our research, it can be stated that the flexibility of the musculature of athletes doing weight training compared to CrossFit athletes, especially in the region of the shoulders and hip, which is the consequence of inadequate warm-up and stretching habits. The possible dangers of recreational physical activities performed in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle requires proper warm-up and stretching.