The effect of stretching the pectoralis major, sternocleidomastoid, and iliopsoas muscles on 800 meters swimming performance in master swimmers

This study aimed to examine the effect of stretching exercises applied to the Pectoralis major, Sternocleidomastoid and Iliopsoas muscles on 800-meter swimming performance in master swimmers. This randomized study included 30 volunteer master swimmers who were divided into an Experimental Group (n=15) and a Control Group (n=15). While the participants in the Experimental Group performed stretching exercises every day for six weeks in addition to their swimming training, the participants in the Control Group continued their regular swimming training. All participants' 800-meter performance measurements and muscle flexibility were evaluated before and after the interventions by timing and using the MyotonPro Device. As a result of the study, a statistically significant improvement was observed in the 800 meters of both groups (p<0.05), but no statistically significant result was obtained between the groups (p>0.05). In the measurements made using the MyotonPro device, no statistically significant change was observed in either group (p>0.05). As a result, it was observed that swimming training affected on the 800-meter time of master swimmers. However, it has not yet been determined whether stretching exercises specifically increase swimming performance. Keywords: Master Swimmer, Stretching Exercise, 800 Meters, Swimming, Performance