A Comparative Analysis of the Immediate Effects of Static Stretching and PNF During Fatigue on Shot Accuracy and Power in Teenage Soccer Players

Poster Presentation
Paper ID : 1469-SSRC
Authors
1دانشکده علوم ورزشی دانشگاه تهران
2دانشکده علوم ورزشی- دانشگاه تربیت دبیر شهید رجائی
Abstract
Purpose: Fatigue significantly affects the accuracy and power of soccer players' shots,
particularly during the final minutes of a match. This impact is more pronounced in teenagers
due to their lower physical capacities. Stretching is commonly recommended as a potential
solution in such situations. However, there is ongoing debate regarding the choice of
stretching type. Therefore, this study aims to compare the effects of static stretching and
proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching during fatigue on the accuracy
and power of shots in teenage soccer players.
Methodology: This semi-experimental study employs a three-group design. The statistical
population consists of all teenage soccer players in the age range of 13 to 16 years from
Sari city. Among them, a sample of 30 subjects was randomly selected and divided into
three groups of 10: control, static stretching, and PNF stretching. Shot accuracy was
assessed using Christian tests, while shot power was measured by the distance traveled by
the ball. Evaluations were conducted at three stages: pre-fatigue protocol, post-fatigue
protocol, and post-stretching. The fatigue protocol was administered using the stair test. The
control group did not receive any stretching intervention. Statistical analysis of the data
involved the Mixed analysis of variance test and Bonferroni's post-hoc test, with a
significance level set at p < 0.05.
Results: Analysis of variance revealed that fatigue led to decreased accuracy and power of
shots in all three groups. Furthermore, Bonferroni's post-hoc test results in the post-
stretching stage indicated a significant difference between the average accuracy and shot
power of the PNF group compared to the other two groups (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrate that, under fatigue conditions, PNF
stretching produces more positive effects on shot accuracy and power in teenage soccer
players compared to static stretching. This difference in effectiveness may be attributed to
variations in the mechanisms of action between these two stretching methods. Therefore, to
enhance shot accuracy and power, it is recommended to incorporate PNF stretching during
the final minutes of a soccer match and when fatigue becomes evident.
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