Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
An Inertial Measurement Unit Based Method to Estimate Hip and Knee Joint Kinematics in Team Sport Athletes on the Field
Published on: May 26, 2020
Pre-exercise stretching and sports related injuries: knowledge, attitudes and practices
Ramsey Shehab1, Mark Mirabelli, Daniel Gorenflo
1Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0239, USA. rshehab@wfubmc.edu
Objective:
Pre-exercise stretching (PES) has been common practice prior to participation in athletic events. Despite evidence for lack of benefit, many coaches continue to routinely instruct and prescribe stretching. This study assesses the knowledge, attitudes and practices of high school coaches regarding PES.
Design:
A cross-sectional survey.
Setting:
Multiple high schools in a Southeast Michigan county.
Participants:
Head coaches (n = 71) at ten county high schools completed the survey.
Main Outcome Measures:
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of high school coaches regarding PES.
Results:
The survey was completed by coaches at 10 of 11 public high schools with an overall response rate of 46%. Coaches stretch athletes for an average of 13 minutes prior to practice or competition. Almost 95% of coaches feel stretching is beneficial, specifically in decreasing injury risk. Nearly 73% believe that there are no drawbacks to stretching. The most significant reason cited for stretching is decreased injury risk. Coaches stated that personal experience and scientific evidence are the two factors that would most likely influence their future recommendations regarding PES. There are statistically significant differences in stretching practices between male and female coaches and experienced and inexperienced coaches.
Conclusions:
Despite the lack of evidence, nearly all coaches believe that PES prevents a wide array of injuries. Although coaches value personal experience in determining their PES practices, they are open to new scientific evidence, which should encourage the medical community to deliver current research.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:26Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes