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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)

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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
 

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