Download PDF
Int J Sports Med 2014; 35(14): 1151-1154
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1382018
Training & Testing
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Correlation between Acute and Short-Term Changes in Flexibility Using Two Stretching Techniques

N. B. Beltrão
1   Department of Physical Education, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
2   School of Physical Education, University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
,
R. M. Ritti-Dias
2   School of Physical Education, University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
3   Postgraduate Program in Hebiatria, University of Pernambuco, Petrolina, Brazil
,
A. C. R. Pitangui
3   Postgraduate Program in Hebiatria, University of Pernambuco, Petrolina, Brazil
4   Department of Physical Therapy, University of Pernambuco, Petrolina, Brazil
,
R. C. De Araújo
2   School of Physical Education, University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
3   Postgraduate Program in Hebiatria, University of Pernambuco, Petrolina, Brazil
4   Department of Physical Therapy, University of Pernambuco, Petrolina, Brazil
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History



accepted after revision 23 April 2014

Publication Date:
21 August 2014 (online)

Also available at
    Permissions and Reprints

Abstract

This study aimed to determine whether increases in flexibility following a single session predict increases in flexibility after a short-term stretching training program involving static stretching (SS) or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques. 70 adults (aged 18–30 years) of both sexes were randomly assigned to 2 groups: PNF (2 series of contract-relax stretching) and SS (static stretching for 1 min). Both stretching protocols were performed for 7 consecutive days. Active knee extension was evaluated before and after the first session and one day after the end of the intervention. Two-way ANOVA showed significant flexibility gains for both groups and no difference between them. The changes in flexibility after the first intervention session were strongly correlated with the changes after the training program in both groups (PNF r=0.82, p=0.001; SS: r=0.82, p=0.001). Linear regression showed that the increases in flexibility predicted the gains after both training programs (PNF: r2=0.67, p=0.001; SS: r2=0.61, p=0.005). In conclusion, the acute changes in flexibility after a single session of PNF and SS predict the gains in flexibility after longer-term training ­programs.

Key words

muscle stretching exercises - range of motion - muscle - flexibility - stretching
 

  • References

  • 1 Bandy WD, Irion JM, Briggler M. The effect of time and frequency of static stretching on flexibility of the hamstring muscles. Phys Ther 1997; 77: 1090-1096
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 2 Czaprowski D, Leszczewska J, Kolwicz A, Pawłowska P, Kędra A, Janusz P, Kotwicki T. The comparison of the effects of three physiotherapy techniques on hamstring flexibility in children: A prospective, randomized, single-Blind study. PLoS ONE 2013; 8: e72026
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 3 Davis DS, Ashby PE, McCale KL, McQuain JA, Wine JM. The effectiveness of 3 stretching techniques on hamstring flexibility using consistent stretching parameters. J Strength Cond Res 2005; 19: 27-32
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 4 Decoster LC, Scanlon RL, Horn KD, Cleland J. Standing and supine hamstring stretching are equally effective. J Athl Train 2004; 39: 330
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 5 Funk DC, Swank AM, Mikla BM, Fagan TA, Farr BK. Impact of prior exercise on hamstring flexibility: a comparison of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and static stretching. J Strength Cond Res 2003; 17: 489-492
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 6 Gama ZAS, Medeiros CAS, Dantas AVR, Souza TO. Influência da freqüência de alongamento utilizando facilitação neuromuscular proprioceptiva na flexibilidade dos músculos isquiotibiais; Influence of the stretching frequency using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation in the flexibility of the hamstring muscles. Rev Bras Med Esporte 2007; 13: 33-38
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 7 Garber CE, Blissmer B, Deschenes MR, Franklin B, Lamonte MJ, Lee I-M, Nieman DC, Swain DP. American College of Sports Medicine position stand. Quantity and quality of exercise for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and neuromotor fitness in apparently healthy adults: guidance for prescribing exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2011; 43: 1334-1359
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 8 Gonzalez-Rave JM, Sanchez-Gomez A, Santos-Garcia DJ. Efficacy of two different stretch training programs (passive vs. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) on shoulder and hip range of motion in older people. J Strength Cond Res 2012; 26: 1045-1051
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 9 Halbertsma JP, van Bolhuis AI, Göeken LN. Sport stretching: effect on passive muscle stiffness of short hamstrings. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1996; 77: 688-692
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 10 Halbertsma JPK, Goeken LNH. Stretching exercises: effect on passive extensibility and stiffness in short hamstrings of healthy subjects. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1994; 75: 976-981
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 11 Harriss DJ, Atkinson G. Ethical standards in sports and exercise science research: 2014 update. Int J Sports Med 2013; 34: 1025-1028
    Thieme ConnectPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 12 Maddigan ME, Peach AA, Behm DG. A comparison of assisted and unassisted proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques and static stretching. J Strength Cond Res 2012; 26: 1238-1244
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 13 Magnusson SP, Simonsen E, Aagaard P, Sørensen H, Kjaer M. A mechanism for altered flexibility in human skeletal muscle. J Physiol 1996; 497: 291-298
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 14 O’Hora J, Cartwright A, Wade CD, Hough AD, Shum GL. Efficacy of static stretching and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretch on hamstrings length after a single session. J Strength Cond Res 2011; 25: 1586-1591
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 15 O’Sullivan K, Murray E, Sainsbury D. The effect of warm-up, static stretching and dynamic stretching on hamstring flexibility in previously injured subjects. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2009; 10: 37
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 16 Puentedura EJ, Huijbregts PA, Celeste S, Edwards D, In A, Landers MR, Fernandez-de-las-Penas C. Immediate effects of quantified hamstring stretching: Hold-relax proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation versus static stretching. Phys Ther Sport 2011; 12: 122-126
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 17 Riley DA, Van Dyke J. The effects of active and passive stretching on muscle length. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2012; 23: 51-57
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 18 Rosario J, Marques A, Maluf A. Clinical aspects of stretching: A literature review. Braz J Phys Ther 2004; 8: 83-88
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 19 Shrier I. Does stretching improve performance?: a systematic and critical review of the literature. Clin J Sport Med 2004; 14: 267-273
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 20 Silva SA, Oliveira DJ, Jaques MJN, Araujo RC. Efeito da crioterapia e termoterapia associados ao alongamento estático na flexibilidade dos músculos isquiotibiais. [Effect of cryotherapy and thermotherapy associated to the static stretching on the flexibility of the hamstring muscles]. Motricidade 2010; 6: 55-62
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 21 Silva SA, Oliveira DlJ, Jaques MJN, Araujo RC. O efeito do tempo de duas diferentes técnicas de alongamento na amplitude de movimento. [The effect of time of two different stretching techniques in range of motion]. ConScientiae Saúde 2010; 9: 549-556
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 22 Weppler CH, Magnusson SP. Increasing muscle extensibility: a matter of increasing length or modifying sensation?. Phys Ther 2010; 90: 438-449
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 23 Wicke J, Gainey KMF. A comparison of self-administered proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation to static stretching on range of motion and flexibility. J Strength Cond Res 2013; 28: 168-172
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar