An Analysis of Individual Stretching Programs of Intercollegiate Athletes

In brief: Stretching may influence an athlete's susceptibility to injury. To evaluate individual stretching programs of intercollegiate athletes, 238 athletes (164 male, 74 female) in ten sports were surveyed about their stretching practices. Almost all of the athletes stretched, but to varying degrees. Only 39% stretched every day, and only 33% stretched both before and after activity. Overall, the women stretched significantly more than the men, but male swimmers appeared to have the most well-rounded stretching programs. Muscle groups that were stretched by the fewest athletes were the adductors, plantar flexors, hips, and neck. Comparison of these results with flexibility and injury in this study group could prove valuable.