The Effects of Four Different Muscle Stretching Techniques on Flexibility of Hamstring Muscle Group and Active and Passive Knee Extension in Elite Soccer Player

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Abstract

The aim of the present study was to determine the most effective stretching method to restore hamstring flexibility in a minimum period in male soccer player. Forty four soccer players (age range: 20-29 years) were selected by simple non-probability sampling. Subjects were randomly assigned to four groups, (11 members each group): (1) static stretching group, (2) hold-relax stretching group (HR), (3) stretching after post isometric relaxation (PIR), and (4) stretching based on reciprocal inhibition principle (RI). Stretching was carried out for six weeks, 6 sessions per week, and 2 minutes each session. Active and passive knee extension and passive hip flexion (degrees) were measured by a goniometer. The obtained data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and repeated measures. Active knee extension increased from 155.1?2.5 to 170.9?3.4 in static stretch group, from 157.5? 4.5 to 174.9 ? 2.9 in HR group, from 155.2 ? 4.5 to 171 ? 2.9 in PIR group, from 156.4 ? 2.5 to 170.6 ? 3.9 in RI group (P<0.0001). Passive knee extension increased from 157.9 ? 5.2 to 173.8 ? 4.9 in static stretch group, from 160.9 ? 3.2 to 176.3 ? 4.1 in HR group, from 157.9 ? 1.2 to 173.9 ? 3.2 in PIR group, from 157.6 ? 5.1 to 173.5 ? 4.2 in RI group (P<0.0001). Passive hip flexion increased from 64.8 ? 4.3 to 77.4 ? 6.3 in static stretch group, from 65.8? 3.3 to 80.5 ? 1.1 in HR group, from 67.1 ? 2.9 to 79.5 ? 5.2 in PIR group, from 66.8 ? 3.2 to 78.3 ? 4.6 in RI group (P<0.0001). The results showed that no specific method which improves hamstring flexibility in soccer players was superior to others.

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Sport Sciences and Health Research
Volume 1, Issue 1 - Serial Number 1
نشریه طب ورزشی
July 2009
Pages 55-127

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