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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 2026

Comparative Analysis of Lower Limb Kinematics between the Initial and Terminal Phase of 5km Treadmill Running

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Published on: July 17, 2020

Acute lower extremity running kinematics after a hamstring stretch.

Autumn L Davis Hammonds¹, Kevin G Laudner, Steve McCaw

¹Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN, USA. davisa@apsu.edu

Journal of Athletic Training

|April 11, 2012

Summary

A single session of hamstring stretching did not alter running mechanics in recreational athletes. This study found no significant changes in pelvic, hip, or knee joint angles during the swing phase after stretching.

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Area of Science:

Biomechanics
Sports Medicine
Exercise Physiology

Background:

Limited hamstring flexibility can impact running kinematics, performance, and injury risk.
Pre-exercise static hamstring stretching is commonly used to improve flexibility.

Purpose of the Study:

To examine the acute effects of passive hamstring stretching on pelvic, hip, and knee kinematics during the running swing phase.
To determine if a single stretching session alters running biomechanics.

Main Methods:

A randomized controlled trial was conducted in a biomechanics lab.
Thirty-four recreational athletes underwent treadmill running tests before and after stretching.
Motion analysis captured joint angles during the swing phase; the intervention group received passive hamstring stretching.

Main Results:

Hamstring flexibility improved post-stretching in all participants.
No significant differences in pelvic tilt, hip flexion, or knee extension were observed between the stretching and control groups.
Men exhibited greater anterior pelvic tilt than women at maximum knee extension.

Conclusions:

A single session of three passive hamstring stretches did not alter running kinematics.
Current stretching protocols may not acutely affect the biomechanics of the swing phase in runners.