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Effects of ankle position during static stretching for the hamstrings on the decrease in passive stiffness.

Sayaka Nakao1, Tome Ikezoe1, Masatoshi Nakamura2

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Static stretching improves hamstring flexibility, but ankle position matters. Plantar-flexing the ankle during stretching enhances the decrease in passive stiffness, unlike dorsiflexion.

Keywords:
FlexibilityRange of motionStiffnessStraight leg raiseStretching

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Area of Science:

  • Biomechanics
  • Musculoskeletal rehabilitation

Background:

  • Static stretching is commonly used to increase hamstring flexibility.
  • The influence of ankle position during hamstring stretching on passive stiffness is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of ankle position (dorsiflexed vs. plantar-flexed) during static hamstring stretching on the reduction of passive stiffness.

Main Methods:

  • Fourteen healthy men participated in a randomized crossover study.
  • Static hamstring stretching was performed with the ankle either dorsiflexed or plantar-flexed for 5 minutes (5 sessions of 1 minute each).
  • Passive stiffness and range of motion were measured before and after stretching.

Main Results:

  • Both ankle positions significantly increased the final joint angle (range of motion).
  • Passive stiffness significantly decreased only when the ankle was in the plantar-flexed position.
  • No significant decrease in passive stiffness was observed with the ankle in the dorsiflexed position.

Conclusions:

  • Static stretching increases hamstring range of motion regardless of ankle position.
  • To effectively decrease hamstring passive stiffness, static stretching should be performed with the ankle in plantar-flexion.