compare and contrast static and passive stretching

Dynamic stretches, however, appear to be less effective than static stretches at increasing flexibility in uninjured individuals. Because of this, dynamic stretching has been recommended as an alternative to static stretching post warm-up, as evidence suggests that dynamic stretching positively impacts on immediate physical performance. It has also become clear that static stretching may negatively affect immediate physical performance. However other studies suggest that static stretching has little or no impact on injury prevention. Previous research suggests static stretching may help reduce injury rates and improve recovery from injury. This dynamic action is carried out in a smooth, controlled manner and is repeated for a specified time period. In contrast, dynamic stretching involves moving the limb from its neutral position to end range, where the muscles are at their greatest length and then moving the limb back to its original position. A static stretch is performed by placing muscles at their greatest possible length and holding that position for a period of time. Decreased hamstring flexibility is suggested to be one of the predisposing factors for hamstring strains and hamstring stretches are routinely used as part of a pre-exercise routine, usually after an aerobic warm-up. Hamstring strains are one of the most common, recurrent injuries experienced in the sporting world and often result in significant time out of sport and activity. Stretching is also usually incorporated pre-exercise as it has been suggested to improve muscle flexibility, prevent muscle injury and enhance physical performance. Though the optimal pre-exercise routine is debated, an active aerobic warm-up is commonly used as it has been shown to improve performance measures. Pre-exercise routines are common practice for the majority of individuals participating in sport. Further prospective research is required to validate the hypothesis that increased flexibility improves outcomes. The effect of warm-up and static stretching on flexibility was greater in those with reduced flexibility post-injury, but this did not reach statistical significance. Static stretching also increased hamstring flexibility, whereas dynamic did not, in agreement with previous findings on uninjured controls.

Warm-up significantly increased hamstring flexibility. Using ANCOVA to adjust for the non-significant (p = 0.141) baseline difference between groups, the previously injured group demonstrated a greater response to warm-up and static stretching, however this was not statistically significant (p = 0.05). ResultsĪcross both groups, there was a significant main effect for time (p 0.05). Participants carried out both static and dynamic stretches, but on different days. On both days, four measurements of PKE ROM were recorded: (1) at baseline (2) after warm-up (3) after stretch (static or dynamic) and (4) after a 15-minute rest. 18 previously injured individuals and 18 uninjured controls participated. Hamstring flexibility was assessed using passive knee extension range of motion (PKE ROM). MethodsĪ randomised crossover study design, over 2 separate days.

This study examined the short-term effects of warm-up, static stretching and dynamic stretching on hamstring flexibility in individuals with previous hamstring injury and uninjured controls. Warm-up and stretching are suggested to increase hamstring flexibility and reduce the risk of injury.

Compare and contrast static and passive stretching