The EFEKTIFITAS SPORT MASSAGE TERHADAP TINGKAT FLEKSIBILITAS PUNGGUNG BAWAH PADA CABOR BOLA TANGAN

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the impact of sports massage on the level of lower back flexibility of male
handball players from UKM Handball at Surabaya State University. This research aims to describe the effect of
sports massage on the level of lower back flexibility in handball. The method used was an experiment with "The
Static-Group pretest-posttest design". The sampling technique used was the Ordinary Pairing technique with a
sample of 20 athletes. The data collection technique used was pretest and posttest measurement of lower back
flexibility using a standardized sit and reach test. This experiment involved sports massage performed by trained
professionals. This study tested the effect of sports massage on participants' lower back flexibility and analyzed
the data using the unpaired t test. The results showed that several athletes in the experimental group experienced
significant improvement with an average of 13.3%, while those in the control group only experienced an increase
with an average of 7.3%. The significance value ? ? 0.05 means H0 is accepted, namely that the data shows
differences between the experimental group (treatment) and the control group (no treatment). Based on the
research results, it can be concluded that sports massage is effective in increasing lower back flexibility in UNESA
handball UKM athletes. Athletes who received sports massage experienced a significant increase in flexibility
compared to the control group. Sports massage helps reduce muscle tension, improve blood circulation, and
increase range of motion in the lower back.