Effects of a Stretching Development and Maintenance Program on Hamstring Extensibility in Schoolchildren: A...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Exercise Science
• Sports Medicine
• Physical Education Curriculum Development

Background:

• Hamstring extensibility is crucial for physical function and injury prevention in children.
• Existing physical education programs may not adequately address long-term flexibility maintenance.
• Short-term interventions require evaluation for sustained effects on flexibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a physical education-based stretching program on hamstring extensibility in schoolchildren aged 7-10.
• To determine the effectiveness of a short-duration maintenance program in preserving flexibility gains.
• To compare the efficacy of one-minute versus four-minute maintenance stretching sessions.

Main Methods:

• A cluster randomized controlled trial involving 140 schoolchildren (aged 7-10) assigned to control, four-minute stretching, or one-minute stretching groups.
• An initial nine-week development program followed by a five-week detraining period and an eleven-week maintenance program.
• Two-way analysis of variance used to analyze changes in hamstring extensibility.

Main Results:

• The stretching development program significantly improved hamstring extensibility (p < 0.001).
• Flexibility gains were maintained after the stretching maintenance program (p < 0.001).
• No statistically significant differences were observed between the one-minute and four-minute maintenance programs (p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

• A one-minute, twice-weekly physical education-based stretching maintenance program effectively sustains hamstring extensibility in schoolchildren.
• Short-term flexibility improvements can be maintained with minimal time commitment.
• These findings offer practical guidance for implementing feasible and effective flexibility programs in schools.