Effects of Dynamic Stretching Using Equipment on Muscle Flexibility and Exercise Performance of Healthy Male Volunteers

Abstract

[Purpose] The effects of the dynamic stretching using a spring-loaded machine (DS) on the body flexibility and exercise performance were investigated and compared with the results of static self-stretching (SS). [Subjects] Thirty young healthy volunteers were divided into three groups: DS 4 times/week (DS4), DS 2 times/week (DS2), and SS 2 times/week (SS2). [Methods] The subjects performed each stretching exercise regimen for 4 weeks. Before and after the intervention, the ranges of motion (ROM), finger floor distance (FFD), grip power, and knee extension power were measured, and the sideway jump iteration test (SJI), functional reach test (FRT), and standing on one foot with eyes closed test (SOF) were also performed. [Results] ROM of DS4 and DS2 improved at more joints than in SS2. The results of SJI, FRT and SOF in the DS4 and DS2 were better than those of SS2. FFD improved in all three groups, and the results of DS4 and DS2 were better than those of SS2. [Conclusion] The results suggest that DS is more effective at improving body flexibility, equilibrium function, and exercise performance than SS.