19th Annual Student Research Conference
Human Potential and Performance
Effect of Stretch Duration on Hamstring Flexibility
Stephanie M. Provance* and Lindsey M. Heiserman
Ms. Evonne C. Bird and Dr. Jerry L. Mayhew , Faculty Mentors
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of different stretching durations on hamstring flexibility. Twenty-six college subjects (16 F, 10 M), ages 18 to 22 yrs, with limited hamstring flexibility (<=60th percentile on the ACSM sit-and-reach norms) were randomly assigned to stretch durations of 15, 30, and 60 secs and a control group. Stretching was performed 5 days per week in a single session. Sit-and-reach flexibility measurements were performed at 0, 3, and 6 weeks and analyzed with a gender by group (2 x 4) ANOVA. The two-way ANOVA indicated there was no significant statistical difference between the genders or among the stretching duration groups at either the mid-training or post-training periods. However, when percent differences were calculated, the 30-sec stretching group increased more between 0 and 6 weeks (49.06 %) than did the control group (20.56 %) and the 15-sec (30.30 %) or 60-sec (33.72 %) stretching groups. This may indicate that 30-sec of stretching is an effective duration for increasing the flexibility of the hamstring muscles.
Keywords: Stretching, Hamstring, Flexibility, Duration
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 20-1
Location: VH 1000
Time: 9:45