Comparing the effect of static, ballistic and contract-relax stretching on hamstring muscles flexibility in young individuals

Abstract

Muscular flexibility is an important aspect of normal human function. Sedentary individuals are susceptible to inflexible or reconditioned hamstrings. The tightness of hamstring muscles is one of the main factors hindering performance in daily and sporting activities. A variety of stretching techniques exist to enhance flexibility and range of motion. With the questions regarding the effective gains of different stretching methods, this interventional study was conducted to compare the effect of static, ballistic and contract-relax stretching on hamstring muscles flexibility in young individuals. 90 young, healthy individuals were assessed for the inclusion and exclusion criteria and randomly divided into 3 groups. Group A received static stretching, Group B received dynamic stretching and Group C received contract-relax stretching for hamstring muscles. Sit and reach test (SRT) and popliteal angle (PA) test were used as a standard outcome measures to measure pre and post intervention flexibility of hamstring immediately following the stretch. The result showed statistically significant improvement in SRT and PA concluding that all the three stretching techniques were effective in improving hamstring flexibility in young individuals. Specifically the contract relax stretching was more effective than static and ballistic stretching.