Effects of Static and Hold-Relax Stretching on Hamstring Range of Motion Using the FlexAbility LE1000

1999 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 195-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phillip A. Gribble ◽  
Kevin M. Guskiewicz ◽  
William E. Prentice ◽  
Edgar W. Shields

The purposes of this study were to determine the effects of static and hold-relax stretching on hamstring range of motion and to examine the reliability of the FlexAbility LE1000 compared with the goniometrically measured active knee-extension test. Forty-two participants (18–25 years old) were assigned to either a control, static, or hold-relax training group. Participants were stretched four times a week over a 6-week period, with four 30-s stretches per session using a straight-leg-raise method on the FlexAbility LE1000. It was determined that both static and hold-relax techniques significantly improved hamstring flexibility (ISLR: +33.08° ± 9.08° and +35.17° ± 10.39°, respectively). Participants of both techniques reached a plateau in flexibility improvement between Weeks 4 and 5. Thus, static and hold-relax stretching are equally effective in improving hamstring ROM. The FlexAbility LE1000 and the goniometer were both found to be highly reliable. Therefore, either measurement technique could be used successfully to measure hip-flexion ROM.

2012 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Autumn L. Davis Hammonds ◽  
Kevin G. Laudner ◽  
Steve McCaw ◽  
Todd A. McLoda

Context: Limited passive hamstring flexibility might affect kinematics, performance, and injury risk during running. Pre-activity static straight-leg raise stretching often is used to gain passive hamstring flexibility. Objective: To investigate the acute effects of a single session of passive hamstring stretching on pelvic, hip, and knee kinematics during the swing phase of running. Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial. Setting: Biomechanics research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Thirty-four male (age = 21.2 ± 1.4 years) and female (age = 21.3±2.0 years) recreational athletes. Intervention(s): Participants performed treadmill running pretests and posttests at 70% of their age-predicted maximum heart rate. Pelvis, hip, and knee joint angles during the swing phase of 5 consecutive gait cycles were collected using a motion analysis system. Right and left hamstrings of the intervention group participants were passively stretched 3 times for 30 seconds in random order immediately after the pretest. Control group participants performed no stretching or movement between running sessions. Main Outcome Measure(s): Six 2-way analyses of variance to determine joint angle differences between groups at maximum hip flexion and maximum knee extension with an α level of .008. Results: Flexibility increased between pretest and post-test in all participants (F1,30 = 80.61, P<.001). Anterior pelvic tilt (F1,30 = 0.73, P=.40), hip flexion (F1,30 = 2.44, P=.13), and knee extension (F1,30 = 0.06, P=.80) at maximum hip flexion were similar between groups throughout testing. Anterior pelvic tilt (F1,30 = 0.69, P=.41), hip flexion (F1,30 = 0.23, P=.64), and knee extension (F1,30 = 3.38, P=.62) at maximum knee extension were similar between groups throughout testing. Men demonstrated greater anterior pelvic tilt than women at maximum knee extension (F1,30 = 13.62, P=.001). Conclusions: A single session of 3 straight-leg raise hamstring stretches did not change pelvis, hip, or knee running kinematics.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 166-170
Author(s):  
Vishnu K Nair ◽  
Priya S ◽  
Jishana S

Introduction: A normal flexibility is required for an appropriate posture and entire activity in daily life. Hamstring is the muscle that is more prone for tightness. It present in all age groups and it increases with age and more over it is the muscle that is most prone to injuries during sporting activities. With regard to various methods that contribute to increasing flexibility of hamstring muscles, the current study aimed at investigating immediate effects of static stretching and dynamic range of motion training on hamstring flexibility increasing muscle flexibility. Methodology: 30 patients, age range 21-50 years, diagnosed with the Population who had hamstring tightness and divided equally into two groups-Group A and Group B .In Group B-Static Stretch exercise and in Group A-Dynamic Range of Motion Training exercise. Result: Pre and post evaluation of active knee extension test was taken. Result shows that there was significant improvement noted in both the groups (GROUP A: P value .000, t value:-17.9) and (GROUP B: P value: .000, t value:-17.6) Conclusion: Both the static stretch and dynamic exercise can be considered as an effective method for increasing flexibility and improving functions with hamstring tightness patients. Key words: Hamstring flexibility, Dynamic range of motion, and static stretch.


2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 570-576
Author(s):  
Zachary K. Winkelmann ◽  
Ethan J. Roberts ◽  
Kenneth E. Games

Context:Hamstring inflexibility is typically treated using therapeutic massage, stretching, and soft tissue mobilization. An alternative intervention is deep oscillation therapy (DOT). Currently, there is a lack of evidence to support DOT’s effectiveness to improve flexibility.Objective:To explore the effectiveness of DOT to improve hamstring flexibility.Design:Randomized single-cohort design.Setting:Research laboratory.Participants:Twenty-nine healthy, physically active individuals (self-reported activity of a minimum 200 min/wk).Interventions:All participants received a single session of DOT with randomization of the participant’s leg for the intervention. The DOT intervention parameters included a 1∶1 mode and 70% to 80% dosage at various frequencies for 28 minutes. Hamstring flexibility was assessed using passive straight leg raise for hip flexion using a digital inclinometer. Patient-reported outcomes were evaluated using the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score and the Global Rating of Change (GRoC).Main Outcome Measure:The independent variable was time (pre and post). The dependent variables included passive straight leg raise, the GRoC, and the participant’s perceptions of the intervention. Statistical analyses included a dependentttest and a Pearson correlation.Results:Participants reported no issues with sport, activities of daily living, or quality of life prior to beginning the intervention study on the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score. Passive straight leg raise significantly improved post-DOT (95% confidence interval, 4.48°–7.85°,P < .001) with a mean difference of 6.17 ± 4.42° (pre-DOT = 75.43 ± 21.82° and post-DOT = 81.60 ± 23.17°). A significant moderate positive correlation was identified (r = .439,P = .02) among all participants between the GRoC and the mean change score of hamstring flexibility. Participants believed that the intervention improved their hamstring flexibility (5.41 ± 1.02 points) and was relaxing (6.21 ± 0.86).Conclusions:DOT is an effective intervention to increase hamstring flexibility.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (11_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 2325967114S0016
Author(s):  
Murat Tomruk ◽  
Melda Soysal Tomruk ◽  
Nihal Gelecek

Objectives: By the increase in physically inactive and sedentary lifestyles habits, hamstring tightness has currently become a more common situation. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of dynamic extension exercise and Mulligan stretching applications on hamstring flexibility in people with hamstring tightness. Methods: This study involved 12 young adults and 24 knees (4 females, 8 males) with bilateral hamstring tightness (active knee extension test angle < 25 degrees). Mean age and mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of the participants were 22.75±2.73 years and 21.52±2.51 kg/m2, respectively. Before the first measurements, all participants were separated into a Dynamic Extension Exercise Group (DEEG, n = 7) and Mulligan Stretching group (MSG, n = 5) according to the simple random table. DEEG received terminal extension exercises consisting of three sets of 10 repetitions, with 30 seconds of rest between each set, performed at predetermined 10 repetition maximum for each subject. MSG received traction straight leg raise technique and bent-leg-raise technique of Mulligan for 1 set each session applied by the physiotherapist. Applications were done 3 sessions a week for 4 weeks. Hamstring flexibility was measured with Active Knee Extension Test (AKET) and Sit and Reach Test (SRT). All measurements were performed four times: before treatment (BT), immediately after 1st session and 24th hour, and after 4-week treatment period (AT). Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in the baseline demographic characteristics, BMI, and AKET and SRT results (p>0.05). While MSG group experienced a significant increase in the AKET and SRT at measurements of 1st session, 24th hour and AT (p<0.05), there were no significant alterations in values of AKET and SRT in DEEG (p>0.05). Conclusion: The results of our study showed that applying Mulligan stretching three sessions per week for 4 weeks can increase active knee extension angle in people with hamstring tightness. Applying Mulligan stretching instead of dynamic extension exercises can be more effective on hamstring flexibility. However, further data and studies are needed to determine long-term outcomes.


2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 289-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Landon Lempke ◽  
Rebecca Wilkinson ◽  
Caitlin Murray ◽  
Justin Stanek

Clinical Scenario:Stretching is applied for the purposes of injury prevention, increasing joint range of motion (ROM), and increasing muscle extensibility. Many researchers have investigated various methods and techniques to determine the most effective way to increase joint ROM and muscle extensibility. Despite the numerous studies conducted, controversy still remains within clinical practice and the literature regarding the best methods and techniques for stretching.Focused Clinical Question:Is proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching more effective than static stretching for increasing hamstring muscle extensibility through increased hip ROM or increased knee extension angle (KEA) in a physically active population?Summary of Key Findings:Five studies met the inclusion criteria and were included. All 5 studies were randomized control trials examining mobility of the hamstring group. The studies measured hamstring ROM in a variety of ways. Three studies measured active KEA, 1 study measured passive KEA, and 1 study measured hip ROM via the single-leg raise test. Of the 5 studies, 1 study found greater improvements using PNF over static stretching for increasing hip flexion, and the remaining 4 studies found no significant difference between PNF stretching and static stretching in increasing muscle extensibility, active KEA, or hip ROM.Clinical Bottom Line:PNF stretching was not demonstrated to be more effective at increasing hamstring extensibility compared to static stretching. The literature reviewed suggests both are effective methods for increasing hip-flexion ROM.Strength of Recommendation:Using level 2 evidence and higher, the results show both static and PNF stretching effectively increase ROM; however, one does not appear to be more effective than the other.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Afonso ◽  
Rodrigo Ramirez-Campillo ◽  
João Moscão ◽  
Tiago Rocha ◽  
Rodrigo Zacca ◽  
...  

Background: Range of motion (ROM) is an important feature of sports performance and health. Stretching is usually prescribed to improve promote ROM gains, but evidence has suggested that strength training (ST) also improves ROM. However, it is unclear if its efficacy is comparable to stretching. Objective: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of ST and stretching on ROM. Protocol: INPLASY: 10.37766/inplasy2020.9.0098. Data sources: Cochrane Library, EBSCO, PubMed, Scielo, Scopus, and Web of Science were consulted in early October 2020, followed by search within reference lists and consultation of four experts. No constraints on language or year. Eligibility criteria (PICOS): (P) humans of any sex, age, health or training status; (I) ST interventions; (C) stretching interventions (O) ROM; (S) supervised RCTs. Data extraction and synthesis: Independently conducted by multiple authors. Quality of evidence assessed using GRADE; risk-of-bias assessed with RoB 2. Results: Eleven articles (n = 452 participants) were included. Pooled data showed no differences between ST and stretching on ROM (ES = -022; 95% CI = -055 to 012; p = 0206). Sub-group analyses based on RoB, active vs. passive ROM, and specific movement-per-joint analyses for hip flexion and knee extension showed no between-protocol differences in ROM gains. Conclusion: ST and stretching were not different in improving ROM, regardless of the diversity of protocols and populations. Barring specific contra-indications, people who do not respond well or do not adhere to stretching protocols can change to ST programs, and vice-versa.


2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 554-559
Author(s):  
Halima Shoukat ◽  
Hafiz Sheraz Arshad ◽  
Faiza Sharif ◽  
Arooj Fatima ◽  
Filza Shoukat

Hamstring tightness is commonest cause of altered biomechanics of ankle, knee, hip and spine. Long persistent tightness results in pain, decreased range of motion and others pathologies in knee joint. Stretching techniques are used to treat muscle tightness. In clinical settings, different stretch holding timesare used to treat hamstring tightness. The purpose of the study was to determine effects of different static stretch holding-times on hamstring muscles flexibility and their impacts on improving range of motion (ROM) of knee extension in adults. This experimental work was conducted on students of University of Lahorefrom December 2013 to March 2014. The study comprised of 60 subjects with asymptomatic tightness of hamstrings muscles and subjects were aged between 18-26 years (irrespective of their gender). Range of motion at knee joint was measured by universal goniometer before the commencement of stretching technique. Static stretching was applied to group A, B and C with 30, 60 and 90 seconds holds, respectively. Stretches were exerted at frequency of three sessions per week and three repetitions per session. Reevaluation of ROM was performed after 4 and 6 weeks. The mean values of ROM of knee extension showed gainin range after applying static stretching at 30s, 60s and 90s holding times. By applying repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA), the p-values were found to be statistically significant (p<0.001) for static stretching techniques with 30s, 60s, 90s holding times, respectively. Based on these finding, it is plausible toconclude that application of static stretching at holding times of 30, 60 and 90 seconds can significantly improve the ROM of knee extension. Stretching techniques with different holding times were equally effective in improving knee extension and gaining hamstring flexibility in adults.


2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
T Burgess ◽  
T Vadachalam ◽  
K Buchholtz ◽  
J Jelsma

Background: Although stretching is done routinely to prevent injury during explosive sport activities, there is some concern that effective stretching might negatively impact on performance. Objectives: This study’s main objective was to investigate the impact of a specific stretch (CRAC), in which the muscle to be stretched, hamstrings, is actively contracted then relaxed. This is then followed by the antagonist muscle (quadriceps) contracting. Secondly, the impact of the stretch on performance was examined. Methods: A randomised control trial was used. Forty healthy active males between 21 and 35 years of age were assigned to either receive three repetitions of CRAC or rest. Hamstring flexibility and the Illinois Agility Test were the primary outcome measures. Results: The intervention was effective in improving hamstring flexibility by 37% immediately post-application and this was maintained for eight minutes thereafter. It had no significant effect on agility or sprint times. Conclusions: CRAC applied to stretch the hamstring muscles of active males resulted in a large increase of active knee extension range of motion, without decreasing performance. CRAC appears to be a safe and effective method of increasing the length of the hamstrings pre-sport activity and should be utilised by sports physiotherapists if deemed necessary and beneficial following initial assessment.


10.17159/6091 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
T Burgess ◽  
T Vadachalam ◽  
K Buchholtz ◽  
J Jelsma

Background: Although stretching is done routinely to prevent injury during explosive sport activities, there is some concern that effective stretching might negatively impact on performance. Objectives: This study’s main objective was to investigate the impact of a specific stretch (CRAC), in which the muscle to be stretched, hamstrings, is actively contracted then relaxed. This is then followed by the antagonist muscle (quadriceps) contracting. Secondly, the impact of the stretch on performance was examined. Methods: A randomised control trial was used. Forty healthy active males between 21 and 35 years of age were assigned to either receive three repetitions of CRAC or rest. Hamstring flexibility and the Illinois Agility Test were the primary outcome measures. Results: The intervention was effective in improving hamstring flexibility by 37% immediately post-application and this was maintained for eight minutes thereafter. It had no significant effect on agility or sprint times. Conclusions: CRAC applied to stretch the hamstring muscles of active males resulted in a large increase of active knee extension range of motion, without decreasing performance. CRAC appears to be a safe and effective method of increasing the length of the hamstrings pre-sport activity and should be utilised by sports physiotherapists if deemed necessary and beneficial following initial assessment.


Author(s):  
Eun-Dong Jeong ◽  
Chang-Yong Kim ◽  
Nack-Hwan Kim ◽  
Hyeong-Dong Kim

BACKGROUND: The cranio-cervical flexion exercise and sub-occipital muscle inhibition technique have been used to improve a forward head posture among neck pain patients with straight leg raise (SLR) limitation. However, little is known about the cranio-vertebral angle (CVA) and cervical spine range of motion (CROM) after applying stretching methods to the hamstring muscle. OBJECTIVE: To compare the immediate effects of static stretching and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching on SLR, CVA, and CROM in neck pain patients with hamstring tightness. METHODS: 64 subjects were randomly allocated to the static stretching (n1= 32) or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (n2= 32) stretching group. The SLR test was performed to measure the hamstring muscle’s flexibility and tightness between the two groups, with CROM and CVA also being measured. The paired t-test was used to compare all the variables within each group before and after the intervention. The independent t-test was used to compare the two groups before and after the stretching exercise. RESULTS: There were no between-group effects for any outcome variables (P> 0.05). However, all SLR, CVA, and CROM outcome variables were significantly improved within-group (P< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There were no between-group effects for any outcome variable; however, SLR, CVA, and CROM significantly improved within-group after the one-session intervention in neck pain patients with hamstring tightness.


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