Effects of Two Ways of Muscle Stretching On Balance, Maximum Respiratory Volume and Range of Spine Rotation Mobility

Introduction: The study determined whether selective muscle control affects the improvement of balance, maximum respiratory volume, and range of motion of the spine. Two stretching techniques were compared, somatic exercises and traditional stretching exercises. Method: The study was conducted for one month with thirty female and male test subjects aged between 20–25 years. Before and after somatic and stretching exercises, test subjects were compared using three tests: Y balance test (YBT), forced vital capacity measurement (FVC), and goniometry. Results: When testing the range with the right foot, it was found that the somatic group achieved a statistically significant improvement (at p ≤ 0.05) compared with the results of the control group in the direction of anterior p = 0.000, posteromedial p = 0.001 and posterolateral p = 0.000. When testing the range with the left foot, it was found that the somatic group achieved a statistically significant improvement compared to the control group in the direction of anterior p = 0.000, posteromedial p = 0.004 and posterolateral p = 0.000. Maximum respiratory volume improved statistically significantly after exercise in the somatic group compared to the control group (p = 0.000). Discussion: To increase body mobility and reduce muscle tone, it is recommended to perform different and new movement patterns, as they increase the flow of sensory and motor information to the brain, and at the same time it is important to perform stretching with the help of body sensitivity.