Acute Stretching Does Not Affect Muscular Performance In The Hamstring Muscles

Context: Many researchers have investigated the effects of acute stretching on performance and have reported confounding results. Recently, stretching immediately prior to activity has come under question because of the negative influence it can have on muscle force output and the increased risk of injury. Physically active people are now faced with this paradox between common practice and recent research findings. Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of different types of stretching on maximal strength performance of the hamstrings. Our hypothesis was that strength would increase after acute stretching compared to a control group. Conclusions: Of the three stretches investigated, our data indicates that acute stretching does not affect muscular performance in general. Clinicians should incorporate varied methods of stretching in their practice to produce optimal outcomes in strength.