A comparison of static and ballistic stretching techniques for improving the range of motion about selected anatomical joints of 55 to 75 year old females
Date
1980
Authors
Smith, Denis Ellwood
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Abstract
The purpose of this investigation was to compare static and ballistic stretching techniques for improving the flexibility, or range of motion, about selected anatomical joints of 55 to 75 year-old females. Forty-four women who regularly attended swimming pool sessions at three Greater Victoria aquatic centers were classified into three groups: Experimental Group A, Experimental Group B, and Control Group. Experimental Group A received a three-week treatment program of static stretch exercises, whereas Experimental Group B received a three-week program of ballistic stretch exercises. The Control Group received no specific flexibility training. The treatment for both experimental groups was designed to improve the range of motion in the subjects' shoulders, elbows, trunk, hips, knees, and ankles. Subjects were tested on ten measures of flexibility prior to and following the three-week exercise programs. The data from the test sessions were subjected to correlated t-tests, analysis of covariance, and Scheffé multiple comparison of means.
The results showed that a defined program of either static or ballistic stretching may significantly improve the range of motion
of older adults for selected flexibility measures. Further, while general physical activity such as swimming is capable of maintaining flexibility for the older person, to order to significantly improve joint range of motion specific flexibility training must be applied.