Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 30, 2026
07:30
Muscle Imbalances: Testing and Training Functional Eccentric Hamstring Strength in Athletic Populations
Published on: May 1, 2018
16.1K
A PHYSICAL EDUCATION-BASED STRETCHING PROGRAM PERFORMED ONCE A WEEK ALSO IMPROVES HAMSTRING EXTENSIBILITY IN
Daniel Mayorga-Vega1, Rafael Merino-Marban2, Javier Real3
1Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Granada.. dmayorgavega@gmail.com.
Nutricion Hospitalaria
|November 8, 2015
Summary
A weekly stretching program significantly improves hamstring flexibility in schoolchildren. Performing the program twice weekly does not yield statistically greater improvements in hamstring extensibility.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Pediatric Exercise Physiology
- Physical Education
Background:
- Physical education teachers implement programs to enhance student flexibility.
- Limited research exists on the impact of once-weekly stretching programs for schoolchildren.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of short-term stretching interventions performed once versus twice weekly on hamstring extensibility in schoolchildren.
- To evaluate the efficacy of different stretching frequencies within a physical education setting.
Main Methods:
- 180 high school students (aged 12-14) were randomly assigned to a control group, a group stretching once weekly, or a group stretching twice weekly.
- A stretching program was implemented during physical education classes over eight weeks.
- Hamstring extensibility was measured to assess program impact.
Main Results:
- Both experimental groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in hamstring extensibility compared to the control group (p < 0.01).
- No statistically significant differences in hamstring extensibility improvements were observed between the groups performing stretching once or twice weekly (p > 0.05).
Conclusions:
- A short-term stretching program conducted just once a week effectively enhances hamstring extensibility in schoolchildren.
- Increasing the frequency to twice a week does not lead to statistically significant greater improvements in hamstring extensibility.
