The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy

The Korean Society of Physical Therapy (대한물리치료학회)
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Immediate Effects of Stretching on Hamstring Stiffness

넙다리뒤근육에 대한 스트레칭이 근육의 뻣뻣함에 미치는 즉각적 효과

  • Kim, Joong-Hwi (Department of Physical Therapy, Kang Hospital) ;
  • Kim, Tae-Ho (Department of Physical Therapy, Daegu Health College)
  • Received : 2010.01.09
  • Accepted : 2010.02.12
  • Published : 2010.02.25
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Abstract

Purpose: Stretching exercises are commonly used in conjunction with sports and rehabilitation. Weassessed the immediate effects of stretching on passive stiffness of the hamstring muscles and knee range of motion (ROM) using three stretching techniques. Methods: A total of 45 participants were recruited. Isokinetic equipment was used to measure the passive stiffness of hamstring muscles and an inclinometer was used to measure active and passive ROM of the knee joint pre and post stretching. Stiffness was then calculated based on the incline of the torque-angle relationship. The test conditions for Group I were $3{\times}30$ seconds of static stretches using the hamstring muscle, Group II were $3{\times}30$ seconds of static stretches using the hamstring muscle with ankle dorsiflexion, and Group IIII had $3{\times}30$ seconds of active stretching. Results: Group II had significantly higher excursion of active ROM and Group IIIhad significantly higher excursion of passive muscle stiffness. All of the groups had significantly higher active and passive ROM and significantly lower muscle stiffness after stretching. The participants showed no change in hamstring muscle stiffness on the following day. Conclusion: Stretching has significant acute effects on ROM and muscle stiffness and canbe used in warm-up protocols for reducing muscle stiffness before a variety of exercise programs.

Keywords

References

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