Acute effects of different stretching methods on static and dynamic balance in female football players

Background: This study aimed to examine the effects of static, dynamic, combined (static and dynamic) and no stretching on the static and dynamic balance of female football players during warm-ups. Methods: Healthy female students (n=24; mean±SD age = 22.08±0.77 years; height = 159.75±5.37 cm; body mass = 59.76±5.48 kg) were randomised into four groups and undertook different pre-exercise warm-up protocols—i.e. static, dynamic, combined and no stretching—over four days. Static balance was assessed using the stork test and dynamic balance was tested using the star excursion balance test. All findings were normalised to the control group (no stretching) for better comparison. Results: Dynamic balance was improved after dynamic stretching compared with static stretching, and also after combined stretching compared with static stretching. Static balance was better after dynamic stretching compared with static stretching. Conclusions: Dynamic stretching resulted in improved static and dynamic balance performance. Therefore, warm-up tasks incorporating dynamic stretching may be beneficial for athletes.