The Influence of Hanna Somatic Practice on Flexibility and Proprioception in Young Adult Athletes, Poster 10

Hanna Somatic practice was created by Thomas Hanna as a way to counter “the myth of aging”, which he describes as a bi-product of sensory motor amnesia (SMA) caused by stresses experienced in modern day society. Hanna... [ view full abstract ]

Hanna Somatic practice was created by Thomas Hanna as a way to counter “the myth of aging”, which he describes as a bi-product of sensory motor amnesia (SMA) caused by stresses experienced in modern day society. Hanna claims the physical structures that comprise the body do not become dysfunctional over time, but instead suggests the central nervous system (CNS) negatively adapts to our environment causing habitual muscular contractions that leads to stiffness, soreness, and restricted range of motion that we assume to be a natural cause of aging. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of Hanna Somatic practice on enhancing flexibility and proprioception in young adult athletes through the “re-education” of the CNS with respect to human musculature. Since Hanna Somatics is thought to revitalize elder populations that struggle with muscular and mobility issues, I wanted to determine whether it would positively affect healthy athletes, heightening their athletic abilities. 

36 student athletes from Middlebury College were asked to perform a series of Hanna Somatic exercises called cat stretches for 3 weeks. Participants filled out surveys after completing every exercise session. Flexibility and proprioception were quantified using the modified-sit-and-reach test and Biodex Balance System. I hypothesize Hanna Somatic practice will increase flexibility and proprioceptive capacities in young adult athletes.