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.