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Chronic stretching and running economy
A G Nelson1, J Kokkonen, C Eldredge
1Department of Kinesiology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports
|November 7, 2001
Summary
Chronic stretching programs do not negatively impact running economy. A 10-week stretching intervention improved flexibility but did not alter oxygen costs during sub-maximal running in college students.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Research suggests a negative correlation between joint range of motion (flexibility) and running economy.
- Increased flexibility through stretching may potentially hinder endurance running performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of a 10-week stretching program on the oxygen cost of sub-maximal treadmill running.
- To determine if chronic stretching negatively influences running economy in physically active individuals.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-two college students (16 female, 16 male) participated, maintaining their regular activity levels.
- Half the participants engaged in a 10-week program including 40-minute stretching sessions three times per week.
- The control group did not participate in any additional stretching exercises.
Main Results:
- The stretching group showed a significant increase in sit-and-reach flexibility (3.1 cm).
- The non-stretching control group showed no significant change in flexibility.
- Neither group exhibited significant changes in the oxygen cost (O(2) cost) of sub-maximal running.
Conclusions:
- A chronic stretching program does not necessarily impair running economy.
- Increased flexibility from stretching does not appear to negatively affect the physiological cost of sub-maximal running.
- Stretching may be safely incorporated into training for endurance runners without compromising running economy.