Comparison of hamstring flexibility gain with different techniques of static stretching

Abstract

Although several studies have investigated the effects of exercise in range of motion and joint rigidity, the right amount of stretching has not been determined. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects on the hamstring muscles after two different techniques of repetitive static stretching during four weeks in order to compare the gain of range of motion. Thirty women of similar age were divided into two groups of 15 for the study. Measurement of range of motion for hip flexion in both legs was performed in all women. The studied group (n=15) received a session of sustained stretching during 60 seconds in the right limb and two sessions of stretching during 20 seconds with interval of 10 seconds in the left limb. The control group did not receive any intervention. Student’s t test was used to compare the gain of stretching between both groups; paired t test was used to compare abnormal distribution, and the comparison between two sessions of stretching was performed by the matched t test. The gain of stretching in the right leg of the treated group was significant (p<0.001). The gain of stretching in the left leg of the treated group was also significant (p<0.001). The variation of range of motion in the control group was not significant. The gain of range of motion was greater in the right leg (p<0.001). The gain of range of motion in relation to hamstring muscles showed to be greater in the static stretching sessions of 60 seconds each.