Acute Effects Of Dynamic Stretchıng and Foam Roller Applications Applied To Men On Static and Dynamic Balance

Authors : Sedat Özcan, Halil Güngör, Ali Saçıkara, Muhammed Berk Sağva, Doğukan Hakan Atçeken, Elif Taşkuyu

Pages : 389-399

View : 49 | Download : 44

Publication Date : 2025-09-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :In Balance plays a critical role in sports performance and injury prevention. However, the acute effects of commonly applied warm-up techniques on balance have not yet been clearly established. Dynamic stretching and foam rolling practices are frequently preferred to improve flexibility and support neuromuscular readiness, yet the direct effects of these methods on balance performance remain debatable. The aim of this study is to comparatively examine the acute effects of dynamic stretching and foam rolling protocols on static and dynamic balance performance in recreationally active male individuals. The study included a total of 50 physically active male participants who voluntarily took part from Selçuk University, with a mean age of 21.42 ± 1.55 years, a mean height of 178.26 ± 6.28 cm, and a mean body weight of 71.66 ± 7.42 kg. All participants were free from any balance disorders, musculoskeletal injuries, or chronic medical conditions. The study was conducted using a randomized crossover repeated-measures design. Each participant performed both protocols (dynamic stretching and foam rolling) on separate days, with at least 48 hours of rest between sessions, and subsequently underwent balance tests. Each protocol lasted for 3 minutes and targeted the triceps surae, hamstrings, and quadriceps muscle groups. Balance measurements were performed using the Biodex Balance System under both static (eyes closed) and dynamic (eyes open) conditions. The measured parameters included the Overall Stability Index (OSI), Anterior-Posterior Stability Index (APSI), and Medial-Lateral Stability Index (MLSI). All measurements were conducted in a single-leg stance on the dominant leg. Paired samples t-tests were used for data comparison. According to the dynamic balance measurements, the OSI following dynamic stretching was 2.63 ± 0.73, while it was 2.54 ± 0.68 after foam rolling. The anterior-posterior index was measured as 1.74 ± 0.60 (DS) and 1.69 ± 0.62 (FR), and the medial-lateral index as 1.55 ± 0.45 (DS) and 1.51 ± 0.41 (FR). Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in any of the dynamic balance parameters (p>0.05). Effect sizes were small, ranging between 0.09 and 0.21. Regarding static balance performance, the OSI was measured as 2.96 ± 0.73 following dynamic stretching and 2.97 ± 0.75 after foam rolling. The anterior-posterior index was recorded as 2.03 ± 0.65 (DS) and 2.12 ± 0.70 (FR). Medial-lateral values were found to be 1.66 ± 0.40 (DS) and 1.60 ± 0.49 (FR), respectively. These test results also indicated no significant differences between the groups, with all p-values above 0.05. Cohen’s d effect sizes for these measurements were also very small, ranging between 0.03 and 0.19. In conclusion, when evaluated in terms of short-term (acute) effects, both dynamic stretching and foam rolling protocols did not lead to significant changes in static and dynamic balance performance among recreationally active male individuals. Although dynamic stretching showed slight improvements in some dynamic balance parameters, these differences did not reach statistical significance. These findings suggest that short-term warm-up interventions have limited effects on balance, and that future research should investigate the effects of longer-duration or differently structured protocols.
Keywords : Dinamik Esnetme, Foam Rolling, Denge Performansı.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE URL