The Effects of Specific Stretching Exercises on Flexibility and Balance Parameters in Gymnastics

Abstract

This study was planned to examine the effect of Gymnastics-specific stretching exercises on flexibility and balance parameters. A total of 28 (16 males, 12 females) volunteer students were involved in the study, who were educated at the School of Physical Education and Sports. For 12 Weeks, 2 days a week and 90 min. stretching exercises specific to the gymnastics branch were applied and flexibility (sit-lie down) and Y balance tests were applied before the study. Anova test analysis was used to determine the difference between pre-test and post-test. Although the SA (right foot anterior), SPL (right foot posterolateral), SPM (right foot posteromedial), SLA (left foot anterior), SLPL (left foot posterolateral), SLPM (left foot posteromedial) scores of male and female students in the study showed a positive increase compared to the preliminary test scores, there was no statistically significant difference (p > .05). As a result, gymnastic branch-specific stretching exercises increase the balance and flexibility parameters in a positive way; it is thought that the longer duration of training programs will have a positive effect on the athlete’s performance.