Research article summary (published 30 Jul 1999):

Effect of stretching duration on active and passive range of motion in the lower extremity.

Full Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of different durations of stretching (five or 15 seconds) on active and passive range of motion (ROM) in the lower extremity during a five week flexibility training programme. METHOD: Twenty four university sport club members (19 men, five women), with a mean (SD) age of 20.5 (1.35) years, were randomly assigned to one of three groups (two treatment and one control). The two treatment groups participated in a static active stretching programme three times a week for a five week period, holding each stretch for a duration of either five or 15 seconds. The total amount of time spent in a stretched position was controlled. The five second group performed each stretch nine times and the 15 second group three times resulting in a total stretching time of 45 seconds for both groups for each exercise. The control group did not stretch. Active and passive ROM were determined during left hip flexion, left knee flexion, and left knee extension before and after the training programme using an inclinometer. RESULTS: Two factor within subject analysis of variance indicated no significant difference in ROM before and after the training programme for the control group. However, significant improvements in active and passive ROM (p < 0.05) were shown in both treatment groups after the five week training programme. Two factor analysis of variance with repeated measures and post hoc analysis showed significant differences between the treatment groups and the control group for the improvements observed in active (p < 0.05) and passive (p < 0.05) ROM. The five and 15 second treatment groups did not differ from one another when ROM was assessed passively, but significant differences were apparent for active ROM, with the 15 second group showing significantly greater improvements (p < 0.05) than the five second group. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that holding stretches for 15 seconds, as opposed to five seconds, may result in greater improvements in active ROM. However, sustaining a stretch may not significantly affect the improvements gained in passive ROM.

Author information

Author/s: Roberts, J M (JM); Wilson, K (K);

Affiliation: School of Health Sciences, University of Sunderland, United Kingdom.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Clinical Trial; Journal Article; Randomized Controlled Trial

Journal: British journal of sports medicine (Br J Sports Med), published in ENGLAND. (Language: eng)

Reference: 1999-Aug; vol 33 (issue 4) : pp 259-63

Dates: Created 1999/10/29; Completed 1999/10/29; Revised 2008/11/20;

PMID: 10450481, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adult Analysis of Variance Female Follow-Up Studies Hip Joint - physiology Humans Jogging - physiology Knee Joint - physiology

Knee Joint - physiology Leg - physiology Male Muscle Contraction - physiology Muscle, Skeletal - physiology Physical Education and Training Range of Motion, Articular - physiology Time Factors

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