The Effect of Periodized and Non-periodized Stretch Training Protocols on Improving Balance and Flexibility

AuthorSeyed Hossein Hosseinimehren
AuthorMohammad Hassan Faqe Hosseinen
OrcidSeyed Hossein Hosseinimehr [0000-0003-0005-8483]en
Issued Date2025-02-28en
AbstractBackground: Previous studies have demonstrated that stretching exercise modalities significantly influence both injury prevention and athletic performance. Objectives: This study examined the comparative effects of periodized versus non-periodized stretching protocols on static balance, dynamic balance, and flexibility. Methods: Forty-five male physical education students were allocated to three groups (control, n = 15; periodized stretching, n = 15; non-periodized stretching, n = 15). Intervention groups performed nine stretching exercises in either periodized or non-periodized formats for six weeks (three sessions/week). Hamstring flexibility (sit-and-reach test), static balance (stork test), and dynamic balance (Y-balance test) were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 6 weeks. Repeated-measures ANOVA was employed to analyze within- and between-group effects. Results: The duration of stretching intervention significantly improved static balance, dynamic balance, and hamstring flexibility. Leg dominance significantly affected both static and dynamic balance. However, no significant between-group differences were observed for any outcome measures (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a minimum six-week stretching intervention, whether periodized or non-periodized, is necessary for significant improvements in balance and flexibility. Both stretching protocols demonstrated comparable efficacy, supporting their interchangeable use in training programs.en
DOIhttps://doi.org/10.5812/jmcl-158255en
KeywordPeriodized Stretchingen
KeywordNon-periodized Stretchingen
KeywordStatic and Dynamic Balanceen
KeywordPhysical Education Studentsen
PublisherBrieflandsen
TitleThe Effect of Periodized and Non-periodized Stretch Training Protocols on Improving Balance and Flexibilityen
TypeResearch Articleen

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