Eccentric Training and Static Stretching Improve Hamstring Flexibility of High School Males

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Exercise Physiology
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Limited hamstring flexibility is common in adolescents.
• Improving flexibility is crucial for athletic performance and injury prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of a 6-week eccentric exercise program on hamstring flexibility in high-school-aged males.
• To compare the efficacy of eccentric training versus static stretching for hamstring flexibility improvement.
• To compare both interventions against a non-stretching control group.

Main Methods:

• A test-retest control group design was employed in a laboratory setting.
• Sixty-nine male adolescents with limited hamstring flexibility were randomly assigned to eccentric training, static stretching, or a control group.
• Hamstring flexibility was measured using the passive 90/90 test before and after the 6-week intervention period.

Main Results:

• Both the eccentric training group (12.79 degrees gain) and the static stretching group (12.05 degrees gain) showed significant improvements in hamstring flexibility.
• The control group exhibited minimal improvement (1.67 degrees gain).
• No significant difference in flexibility gains was observed between the eccentric training and static stretching groups.

Conclusions:

• Eccentric training is an effective method for improving hamstring flexibility in adolescent males.
• The improvements in hamstring flexibility achieved through eccentric training are comparable to those from static stretching.
• Both eccentric training and static stretching are superior to no stretching for enhancing hamstring flexibility in this population.