Influence of Stretching Training of the Lower Limbs on Postural Stability

The paper investigates the effects of stretching training on stabilographic and kinematic parameters of one-legged posture stability in healthy girls (n = 14). Stretching training (10 weeks, three times a week for 80 min) was aimed at developing articular lower limb mobility. The amplitude and velocity of oscillations of the common center of pressure (CCP) (Neurocor Trast-M stabiloplatform); the amplitude and velocity of oscillations in the ankle (AJ), knee (KJ), and hip (HJ) joints (Neurocor Trast-M gyroscopes) during a one-legged stance with eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC); as well as specific proprioceptive sensitivity, such as the reproduction accuracy of the tilt angle in the AJ with a vertical posture were determined before and after stretching training. The following was revealed in comparison with the control group: an increase in the maximum amplitude of active flexion (+6.5 degrees, p < 0.1) and abduction (+6.4 degrees, p < 0.05) of the leg in the hip joint; a decrease in the amplitude (–24.8%, p < 0.01 versus the initial level and p = 0.021 versus the control) and an increase in the frequency of the CCP oscillations in the sagittal plane; a decrease in the statokinesiogram area (–26.3%, p < 0.05 versus the initial level and a change in the control); a decrease in the amplitude (–24.8 degrees, p < 0.01 versus the initial level) of hip joint oscillations in the frontal plane, as well as a decrease in the amplitude (–33.7%, p < 0.01 versus the initial level) and an increase in the frequency of AJ oscillations in the sagittal plane in the single-leg stance with EO. However, no significant intergroup differences were found in the dynamics of proprioceptive sensitivity and postural stability in EC position. Stretching training of the lower extremities increases the stability of the one-legged posture. An increase in the hip joint stability in the frontal plane was a suggested mechanism for improving the regulation of the one-legged posture.