Duration of maintained hamstring ROM following termination of three stretching protocols

Context: Literature supports habitual stretching for increasing an individuals flexibility; however, immediate gains in range of motion have received limited investigation. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the retention of active knee extension range of motion (AKE ROM) after a single bout of stretching. Design: Subjects participated in three experimental stretching groups: contract-relax, agonist contract (CRAC); static stretch; and active control stretch. AKE ROM was measured by an analog inclinometer fixed to a modified Orthotron II for pretreatment and posttreatment measurements at 0, 3, 7, 12, 18, and 25 minutes. Participants: 32 active male and female college age students. Results: Analysis suggested that stretching as a combined treatment effect demonstrated an increase in AKE ROM that lasted for 25 minutes; however, no specific method of stretching was found to be more beneficial. Conclusion: Stretching utilizing CRAC, static, or active control techniques lend support to their use for the purpose of increasing and retaining ROM prior to physical activity.