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The Effect of Time and Frequency of Static Stretching on Flexibility of the Hamstring Muscles

WD Bandy, PhD, PT, SCS, ATC, is Associate Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Central Arkansas, Physical Therapy Center, Suite 200, Conway, Arkansas 72035 (USA) (billb@mail.uca.edu).
JM Irion, PT, SCS, ATC, is Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Central Arkansas.
M Briggler, PT, is Student Clinical Coordinator, Department of Physical Therapy, John L McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital, Little Rock, Ark.

Background and Purpose. Frequency and duration of static stretching have not been extensively examined. Additionally, the effect of multiple stretches per day has not been evaluated. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal time and frequency of static stretching to increase flexibility of the hamstring muscles, as measured by knee extension range of motion (ROM). Subjects. Ninety-three subjects (61 men, 32 women) ranging in age from 21 to 39 years and who had limited hamstring muscle flexibility were randomly assigned to one of five groups. The four stretching groups stretched 5 days per week for 6 weeks. The fifth group, which served as a control, did not stretch. Methods. Data were analyzed with a 5 x 2 (group x test) two-way analysis of variance for repeated measures on one variable (test). Results. The change in flexibility appeared to be dependent on the duration and frequency of stretching. Further statistical analysis of the data indicated that the groups that stretched had more ROM than did the control group, but no differences were found among the stretching groups. Conclusion and Discussion. The results of this study suggest that a 30-second duration is an effective amount of time to sustain a hamstring muscle stretch in order to increase ROM. No increase in flexibility occurred when the duration of stretching was increased from 30 to 60 seconds or when the frequency of stretching was increased from one to three times per day.

Key Words: Flexibility • Lower extremity • Muscle • Muscle performance

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