The effect of stretching techniques on flexibility and sports injuries: A literature review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21831/jorpres.v19i3.70745Keywords:
Stretching Techniques, Flexibility in Sports, Injuries in Sports, Benefits and Risks of StretchingAbstract
Flexibility and injury prevention are essential aspects of athlete performance and health. This article aims to present a literature review on the effect of stretching techniques on flexibility and sports injuries. The literature review was conducted by analyzing relevant previously published studies.
The literature review identified factors influencing flexibility, including age, gender, and type of sports activity. The literature review also highlighted the benefits of stretching in improving flexibility and preventing sports injuries. Various approaches to stretching techniques were discussed, such as static stretching, dynamic stretching, PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation), and other methods.
However, there is controversy surrounding the effectiveness of stretching in preventing sports injuries. Some studies suggest that pre-exercise stretching can reduce the risk of injury, while others suggest that excessive static stretching can reduce muscle strength and exercise performance.
The results from the literature review also highlighted the differences in research results regarding the effect of stretching on flexibility and injury. Some studies found a positive association between stretching and increased flexibility, while the results of other studies showed no significant association.
In the discussion, this article analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of stretching techniques found in the literature. The implications of these findings can help coaches and athletes design efficacious and safe stretching programs.
In conclusion, stretching techniques are essential in improving flexibility and may affect preventing sports injuries. However, more research is needed to understand better the mechanisms of stretching techniques' effects on flexibility and sports injuries. Hopefully, this article can provide valuable insights for sports practitioners and researchers to understand better the role of stretching in sports and athlete health.
References
Afonso, J., Ramirez-Campillo, R., Moscí£o, J., Rocha, T., Zacca, R., Martins, A., Milheiro, A. A., Ferreira, J., Sarmento, H., & Clemente, F. M. (2021). Strength Training versus Stretching for Improving Range of Motion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 9(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9040427
Afshari, E., Kajbafvala, M., Mohsenifar, H., & Abbasi, L. (2023). Comparison of the Immediate Effect of Active Stretching Techniques and Self-myofascial Release on the Flexibility of the Iliotibial Band and Functional Activities in Semi-Elite Athletes: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Middle East Journal of Rehabilitation and Health Studies, 10(2), e134802. https://doi.org/10.5812/mejrh-134802
Alizadeh, S., Daneshjoo, A., Zahiri, A., Anvar, S. H., Goudini, R., Hicks, J. P., Konrad, A., & Behm, D. G. (2023). Resistance Training Induces Improvements in Range of Motion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. In Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) (Vol. 53, Issue 3, pp. 707–722). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-022-01804-x
Ameer Hussain, M., Premkumar, M., & Kavitha, S. (2022). Combination of Soft Tissue Mobilization Assisted with Instrument (IASTM) Technique and Myofascial Release for Chronic Low Back Pain – Single Case Study. International Journal of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, 6(2), 230–237. https://doi.org/10.47992/ijhsp.2581.6411.0096
Andersen, J. C. (n.d.). Stretching before and after exercise: effect on muscle soreness and injury risk. Journal of Athletic Training, 40(3), 218–220.
Babault, N., Rodot, G., Champelovier, M., & Cometti, C. (2021). A Survey on Stretching Practices in Women and Men from Various Sports or Physical Activity Programs. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(8). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18083928
Behm, D. G., Alizadeh, S., Daneshjoo, A., & Konrad, A. (2023). Potential Effects of Dynamic Stretching on Injury Incidence of Athletes: A Narrative Review of Risk Factors. Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 53(7), 1359–1373. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-023-01847-8
Behm, D. G., Aragí£o-Santos, J. C., Korooshfard, N., & Anvar, S. H. (2023). Alternative Flexibility Training. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 18(2), 285–287. https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.73311
Bouguezzi, R., Sammoud, S., Markov, A., Negra, Y., & Chaabene, H. (2023). Why Flexibility Deserves to Be Further Considered as a Standard Component of Physical Fitness: A Narrative Review of Existing Insights from Static Stretching Study Interventions. Youth, 3(1), 146–156. https://doi.org/10.3390/youth3010010
Bryant, J., Cooper, D. J., Peters, D. M., & Cook, M. D. (2023). The Effects of Static Stretching Intensity on Range of Motion and Strength: A Systematic Review. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, 8(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8020037
Chapon, J., Navarro, L., & Edouard, P. (2022). Relationships Between Performance and Injury Occurrence in Athletics (Track and Field): A Pilot Study on 8 National-Level Athletes From Sprints, Jumps and Combined Events Followed During at Least Five Consecutive Seasons. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 4(May). https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2022.852062
Conlin, L. A., Aguilar, D. T., Rogers, G. E., & Campbell, B. I. (2021). Flexible vs. rigid dieting in resistance-trained individuals seeking to optimize their physiques: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 18(1), 52. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-021-00452-2
Donti, O., Konrad, A., Panidi, I., Dinas, P. C., & Bogdanis, G. C. (2022). Is There a "Window of Opportunity" for Flexibility Development in Youth? A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis. Sports Medicine - Open, 8(1), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-022-00476-1
Higaki, Y., Yamato, Y., Fujie, S., Inoue, K., Shimomura, M., Kato, S., Horii, N., Ogoh, S., & Iemitsu, M. (2021). Acute effects of the different relaxation periods during passive intermittent static stretching on arterial stiffness. PloS One, 16(11), e0259444. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0259444
Ingraham, S. J. The role of flexibility in injury prevention and athletic performance: have we stretched the truth? Minnesota Medicine, 86(5), 58–61.
Iwata, M., Yamamoto, A., Matsuo, S., Hatano, G., Miyazaki, M., Fukaya, T., Fujiwara, M., Asai, Y., & Suzuki, S. (2019). Dynamic Stretching Has Sustained Effects on Range of Motion and Passive Stiffness of the Hamstring Muscles. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, 18(1), 13–20.
Lee, J. H., Jang, K.-M., Kim, E., Rhim, H. C., & Kim, H.-D. (2020). Effects of Static and Dynamic Stretching With Strengthening Exercises in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Who Have Inflexible Hamstrings: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Sports Health, 13(1), 49–56. https://doi.org/10.1177/1941738120932911
Lim, W. (2020). The Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Static Stretching Performed at Various Intensities on Hamstring Flexibility. Physical Therapy Korea, 27(1), 30–37. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.12674/ptk.2020.27.1.30
Luo, X., & Huang, X. (2023). The effects of a yoga intervention on balance and flexibility in female college students during COVID-19: A randomized controlled trial. PLOS ONE, 18(3), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0282260
Lyu, B.-J., Lee, C.-L., Chang, W.-D., & Chang, N.-J. (2020). Effects of Vibration Rolling with and without Dynamic Muscle Contraction on Ankle Range of Motion, Proprioception, Muscle Strength and Agility in Young Adults: A Crossover Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17010354
Nabira Izhar, Anam Bint Irfan, Syed Naeem Abbas, Khalid Abbas, Momin Mukhtar, & Hafiz Abdul Rehman. (2023). Effectiveness of Plantar Fascial Mobilization and Static Stretching on Hamstrings Flexibility among Overweight Individuals. The Healer Journal of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, 3(2), 360–367. https://doi.org/10.55735/hjprs.v3i2.116
Nazir, A., Naz, U., Ilyas, A., Murtaza, S. F., Maqbool, S., Zaheer, B., & Tabassum, M. N. (2022). Comparison of the effectiveness of static stretching and hold relax technique on hamstring flexibility - A Randomized Control trial. Pakistan Journal of Medical and Health Sciences, 16(11), 92–94. https://doi.org/10.53350/pjmhs2022161192
Soligard, T., Palmer, D., Steffen, K., Lopes, A. D., Grek, N., Onishi, K., Shimakawa, T., Grant, M.-E., Mountjoy, M., Budgett, R., & Engebretsen, L. (2022). New sports, COVID-19 and the heat: sports injuries and illnesses in the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics. British Journal of Sports Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2022-106155
Stecco, C., Pirri, C., Fede, C., Yucesoy, C. A., De Caro, R., & Stecco, A. (2021). Fascial or Muscle Stretching? A Narrative Review. Applied Sciences, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.3390/app11010307
Tahir, J. (2021). Risk Factors for Hamstring Muscle Strain Injury in Athletes. The Healer Journal of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, 1(1), 15–20. https://doi.org/10.55735/thjprs.v1i1.20
Thacker, S. B., Gilchrist, J., Stroup, D. F., & Kimsey, C. D. J. The impact of stretching on sports injury risk: a systematic review of the literature. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 36(3), 371–378. https://doi.org/10.1249/01.mss.0000117134.83018.f7
Turci, A. M., Nogueira, C. G., Nogueira Carrer, H. C., & Chaves, T. C. (2023). Self-administered stretching exercises are as effective as motor control exercises for people with chronic non-specific low back pain: a randomised trial. Journal of Physiotherapy, 69(2), 93–99. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphys.2023.02.016
Warneke, K., Brinkmann, A., Hillebrecht, M., & Schiemann, S. (2022). Influence of Long-Lasting Static Stretching on Maximal Strength, Muscle Thickness and Flexibility. In Frontiers in Physiology (Vol. 13). https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2022.878955
Warneke, K., Wirth, K., Keiner, M., & Schiemann, S. (2023). Improvements in Flexibility Depend on Stretching Duration. International Journal of Exercise Science, 16(4), 83–94.
Witvrouw, E., Mahieu, N., Danneels, L., & McNair, P. (n.d.). Stretching and injury prevention: an obscure relationship. Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 34(7), 443–449. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200434070-00003
Witvrouw, E., Mahieu, N., Roosen, P., & McNair, P. The role of stretching in tendon injuries. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 41(4), 224–226. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2006.034165
Yu, S., Lin, L., Liang, H., Lin, M., Deng, W., Zhan, X., Fu, X., & Liu, C. (2022). Gender difference in effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching on flexibility and stiffness of hamstring muscle. Frontiers in Physiology, 13, 918176. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2022.918176
Zaidi, S., Ahamad, A., Fatima, A., Ahmad, I., Malhotra, D., Al Muslem, W. H., Abdulaziz, S., & Nuhmani, S. (2023). Immediate and Long-Term Effectiveness of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Static Stretching on Joint Range of Motion, Flexibility, and Electromyographic Activity of Knee Muscles in Older Adults. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 12(7). https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12072610
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).