Stretching tecniques on hamstring flexibility in female adolescents
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Date
2010
Authors
Janse van Rensburg, Lizl
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
This study compared the eflicacy of 4 ditlerent hamstring-stretching techniques. Flexibility can be achieved by a variety of stretching techniques, yet little research has been performed on the most effective method. The four most basic stretches includes: Static stretching where the limb is held stationary at and endpoint for a certain time period; Dynamic stretching, an active stretch where the limb is slowly moved from the neutral position to the endpoint; PNF hold-relax- and PNF contract-relax stretching which is also referred to as active stretches because of the concentric and isometric contractions throughout the stretch (Prentice) 2010: Ill). This study’s aim was to determine which type of stretching technique IS most effective in improving hamstring length. One hundred female subjects between the ages of 13 and 17 years were enrolled in the study. The 90°/90° hamstring length measure was used for all measurements to measure knee extension angle. Alii 00 subjects were included in a randomized controlled trial of 5 different groups comparing different hamstring-stretching techniques. Outcorne measure (hamstring length) was recorded on all subjects initially, at 3 weeks and at 6 weeks. After 3 weeks of stretching, there was a statistically significant improvement in hamstring length (p<0.0001) using all stretches when compared to the control group. From weeks 3 through 6, hamstring length for all groups again showed statistically significant improvement when compared to the control group. No significant difference was found comparing the intervention groups after 3 weeks or after 6 weeks of stretching. After both 3 weeks and 6 weeks of stretching the straight-leg-raise (static stretching) group had the greatest improvement in hamstring length, although the difference was not statistically significant.
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Keywords
Dissertation (M.A. (Exercise and Sport Sciences))--University of the Free State, 2010, Physical fitness for girls, Exercise for girls, Stretching exercises, Knee extension angle, Straight leg raise, Time period, Daily dose, Endpoint, Hamstring length, Flexibility, Neutral position