Duration of Maintained Hamstring ROM Following Termination of Three Stretching Protocols

Abstract

Literature supports habitual stretching for increasing an individual's flexibility; however, immediate gains in range of motion have received limited investigation. The purpose of this study was to determine the retention of active knee extension range of motion (AKE ROM) after a single bout of stretching. Subjects participated in three experimental stretching groups: contract-relax, agonist contract (CRAC); static stretch; and active control stretch. AKE ROM was measured by an analog inclinometer fixed to a modified Orthotron II for pretreatment and posttreatment measurements at 0, 3, 7, 12, 18, and 25 minutes. 32 active male and female college age students. Analysis suggested that stretching as a combined treatment effect demonstrated an increase in AKE ROM that lasted for 25 minutes; however, no specific method of stretching was found to be more beneficial. Stretching utilizing CRAC, static, or active control techniques lend support to their use for the purpose of increasing and retaining ROM prior to physical activity.