THE INFLUENCE OF MYOFASCIAL RELEASE MEANS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF FLEXIBILITY IN STUDENTS OF HIGHER EDUCATION ORGANIZATIONS

Abstract

Modern students often face a low level of flexibility development, which is primarily due to a sedentary lifestyle and prolonged static body positions during academic activities. Traditional flexibility development methods, based on static and dynamic stretching, do not always yield significant results. Therefore, there is a growing need to find new, more effective means aimed at improving joint mobility and the elasticity of muscle-fascial structures. Myofascial release techniques (hereinafter referred to as MFR), which are actively used in sports practice but insufficiently studied in the context of the educational process, may provide significant results in developing flexibility among students. Purpose of the Article. To determine the influence of MFR techniques on the development of flexibility in students, evaluate their effectiveness in comparison with traditional stretching methods, and justify the feasibility of incorporating MFR into physical education curricula. The study involved 60 students (30 males and 30 females) of the Krasnoyarsk State Pedagogical University named after V.P. Astafiev. During the experimental work, MFR techniques were implemented for students following the main part of their physical education classes. The following tests were used to assess flexibility dynamics: the sit-and-reach test, shoulder mobility test, and Thomas test. A subjective survey on muscle tension perception was also conducted. The experimental results showed a significant improvement in flexibility among the students. The average result in the sit-and-reach test improved by 6.3 cm. Shoulder mobility increased by 8 cm. The hip extension angle in the Thomas test decreased by 7°. Additionally, the students reported a noticeable reduction in the sensation of muscle tension.