Comparison of active stretching technique and static stretching technique on hamstring flexibility.

Area of Science:

• Kinesiology
• Sports Medicine
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Improving hamstring flexibility is crucial for athletic performance and injury prevention.
• Both active and passive stretching techniques are commonly used, but their comparative efficacy and long-term effects are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of active stretching versus passive stretching in improving hamstring flexibility.
• To determine which stretching method yields greater and more sustained gains in range of motion.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 65 healthy subjects.
• Subjects participated in a 6-week stretching program, divided into active or passive stretching groups.
• Range of motion was measured at 3, 6 weeks, and 4 weeks post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Active stretching yielded significantly greater increases in active knee extension range of motion (AKER) at 3 weeks (5.7° vs 3°) and 6 weeks (8.7° vs 5.3°).
• Gains from active stretching were well-maintained at 4 weeks post-training (6.3°), while passive stretching gains diminished significantly (0.1°).

Conclusions:

• Active stretching is superior to passive stretching for enhancing hamstring flexibility.
• Active stretching provides more durable improvements in range of motion and is more time-efficient.