Abstract
To date there is little research investigating the post-treatment effects of stretching. Physical therapists have little empirical evidence to justify intervention after discharge from physical therapy. The purpose of this study was to compare the differences in range of motion (ROM) maintained by subjects involved in various stretching protocols. Methods: A sample of 38 healthy subjects ranging from 18 to 22 years of age had their hamstrings stretched three times per week for two weeks. For the four week experimental period subjects volunteered for one of three groups: self-stretching three times per week, passive stretching once per week, or no-stretching. The change in hamstring length during the four week experimental period was analyzed. Results: The self-stretching and passive stretching groups maintained a significantly greater ROM than the no-stretching group. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that self-stretching and passive stretching programs are effective in maintaining hamstring length. During the final four weeks, none of the groups showed a significant increase in ROM. Therefore, patients should be instructed in a self-stretching program or included in a maintenance program to maintain increases in flexibility. Patients should not, however, be discharged from physical therapy until all flexibility goals have been met.
Key Words: flexibility, physical therapy,
stretching