Effects of static strecthing on special jumping movements in elite artistic gymnasts

The aim of the study is to examine the effects of static stretching on jumping movements unique to artistic gymnastics, vertical jump height and flexibility in elite artistic gymnasts. The participants of this study are fourteen female artistic gymnasts, aged between 9-14 years. Vertical jump height was measured with New Test 2000. Flexibility was measured with sit and reach test. Jumping movements unique to artistic gymnastics was measured with Dartfish movement analysis program considering the angle between lower extremities. Basal measurements made after the standart warm-up and measuremets made after the static stretching were evaluated. Four series of gymnastic movements, each lasting for two minutes, were performed. Tests were repeated after every series. It was shown that static stretching had a statistically significant effect on vertical jumping performance. There were statistically significant differences between Jump2-Jump1 (p=0,01), Jump2-Jump3 (p=0,03), Jump2-Jump4 (p=0,01), Jump2-Jump5 (p=0,004) and Jump2-Jump6 (p=0,009). It was shown that static stretching had a statistically significant effect on flexibility. There were statistically significant differences between Reach2-Reach3 (p=0,03) and Reach2- Reach6 (p=0,006). No statistically significant effect of static stretching was found on the angle between lower extremities. In conclusion, although statistically significantly decreasing the vertical jumping performance, static stretching did not affect jumping movements unique to artistic gymnastics. Keywords: Static stretching, vertical jumping, flexibility