Hospital Practices and Research

Effect of Active Dynamic Versus Passive Static Stretching on Hamstring Muscle Tightness in Healthy Female Students: A Randomized Trial Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Mojtaba Heshmatipour 1
Azam Esfandiari 1
Maryam Kazemi Naeini 2
Mehdi Raei 3, 4
Omolbanin Firoozpur 1
Neda Shariatinia 1
Kiavash Hushmandi 5

1 Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

2 Student Research Committee, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

3 Baqiyatallah Research Center for gastroenterology and Liver Diseases (BRCGL), Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

4 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

5 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

10.15171/hpr.2019.27
Abstract
Background: For decades, static stretching has been the standard benchmark for training programs, because it has been shown to increase flexibility compared with other methods of stretching.
Objective: The current study investigated and compared the effects of active dynamic stretching and passive static stretching on hamstring tightness.
Methods: For this experiment, 64 female students were enrolled and randomly assigned to active dynamic or passive static stretching groups (n = 32 each). The first and second experimental groups were trained with repetitive dynamic stretching and static stretching exercises, respectively. Exercises were performed 10 times per limb, 3 times per day, 5 days per week for 4 weeks. Hamstring muscle length measurements were repeated in weeks 2 and 4. Statistical analysis of the results was performed by t-test and repeated measures ANOVA using SPSS 15.
Results: Both experimental groups showed significant improvements in the active knee extension range of motion during the intervention (P < 0.001). However, active stretching showed better results and had a greater effect on range of motion in comparison with static stretching.
Conclusion: Active dynamic training can be considered a suitable method for increasing the flexibility of the hamstring muscle and, consequently, reducing the complications and problems associated with hamstring tightness.

Keywords

Training
Exercise
Therapeutic
Treatment
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Hospital Practices and Research
Volume 4, Issue 4 - Serial Number 16
Autumn 2019
Pages 134-138

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