Izvorni znanstveni članak
https://doi.org/10.54478/ers.34.47.6
The effect of stretching exercises on improving the back flexibility, agility and balance of football players
Natalia Ćorić
; Studentica Fakulteta zdravstvenih studija Sveučilišta u Rijeci
Mirela Vučković
orcid.org/0000-0002-8596-6175
; Katedra za fizioterapiju, Fakultet zdravstvenih studija, Sveučilišta u Rijeci
Sažetak
Introduction: Motor abilities enable the effective performance of various motor tasks. These abilities include strength, speed, flexibility, coordination, accuracy, balance and agility. Although stretching exercises are often underestimated, numerous studies highlight their benefits in increasing flexibility, preventing injuries, and enhancing sports performance. Aim of the research: The aim of this research is to determine whether stretching exercise affect hamstring flexibility and, consequently, agility and balance in football players. This study contributes to the field by emphasizing the importance of implementing stretching exercises at the end of training sessions.
Participants and methods: The research was conducted in the Istria region on a convenience sample of 45 participants, divided into a control and an experimental group. The participants were senior players from the football clubs Istra Tar and Novigrad, competing in the second Croatian county football league. Hamstrings flexibility, agility, and balance were measured in both groups. In the experimental group, an intervention consisting of a set stretching exercises was applied three times a week for one month, during March.
Results: The results indicate a positive correlation between stretching exercises and increased hamstring flexibility, as well as improved agility in the experimental group compared to the control group. No statistically significant difference in balance was observed between the groups. Results within the experimental group show a positive effect of the intervention on hamstring flexibility, as well as improvements in both agility and balance.
Conclusion: The research shows that regular application of stretching exercises positively affects hamstring flexibility, contributes to improved change of direction and speed, and significantly enhances balance in football players.
Ključne riječi
agility, balance, flexibiliy, football players, hamstring muscles, stretching exercises
Hrčak ID:
336833
URI
Datum izdavanja:
16.11.2025.
Posjeta: 624 *