The Effect of Stretching on Lumbar Muscle Flexibility, Isokinetic Parameters and Lower Extremity Function

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the correlation of the flexibility of lumbar muscle fibers with the speed of the broad fourpronged muscle in healthy adult men and women.Methods: This study selected 36 healthy male and female college students.The subjects were randomly assigned to two groups (Group A; performing three stretches, and Group B; not engaging in any stretching) and measured for flexibility, functional evaluation, and biomechanical parameters (CSMI) as pre-experimental evaluation items.Flexibility was evaluated using 2 types of sit and reach tests and Schober's test, while functional evaluation was assessed through the 3-hop test and the Sargent test.The knee extension angular velocities of the biomechanical parameters were measured at 60°, 120°, 180°, and 240° to determine peak torque, work per repetition, and peak power.Results: Group A exhibited statistically significant improvements in both the before and after comparison of the sit and reach test and the difference in the quantum of change.There was a statistically significant improvement in the before and after comparison of the 3-hop jump test and the difference in the quantum of change.As for the isokinetic parameters, the peak torque of 60°, 120°, 180°, and 240° were only all significant in the experimental group. Conclusion:This study focused on assessing the role of the lower extremities with respect to lumbar flexibility.The results suggest that lumbar flexibility has a statistically significant and positive effect on lower extremity flexibility and its function.