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 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