Effects of stretching guidance for adolescent soccer players

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of stretching guidance on the muscle flexibility of and the frequency of stretching performance in a week by junior youth soccer players. Subjects: The subjects were 20 male junior youth soccer players. Methods: Stretching guidance consisted of sixstretching items. We evaluated muscle tightness and the frequency of stretching performance in a week. The stretching guidance was executed three times (once/month) by a physical therapist. Results: Significant improvements in the tightness of hamstrings, quadriceps, iliopsoas and the frequency of stretching in a week were observed. Conclusion: The results suggest that stretching guidance for junior youth soccer players is effective for injury prevention.