Two stretching treatments for the hamstrings: proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation versus kinesio taping.

CONTEXT Recent studies have shown that the static stretch (SS) may adversely affect leg-muscle performance. OBJECTIVES The authors examined the short-term effects of 2 stretching exercises on hamstrings muscle before and after exercise. DESIGN Crossover. SETTING Laboratory. PARTICIPANTS 9 healthy, physically active men. INTERVENTIONS There were 3 protocols in a randomized order with a 7-d interval: nonstretching (CON protocol), hamstrings static stretching (SS) with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), and SS with kinesio-taping application on the hamstrings. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Outcome measures included first-felt and maximum tolerant-felt range of motion (FROM and TROM), maximal knee-flexion peak torque (PT) at 180°/s, and hamstrings muscle stiffness. RESULTS Groups were not different at prestretching in terms of hamstrings flexibility, PT, and muscle stiffness. At poststretching, both stretching protocols showed significant increases in FROM and TROM (P < .05). Stiffer hamstrings muscle and decreased PT were found in both SS+PNF and CON protocols (P < .05). However, there was no significant difference in the SS+Taping protocol (P > .05). CONCLUSION The stretching protocols improve hamstrings flexibility immediately, but after exercise hamstrings peak torque is diminished in the SS+PNF but not in the SS+Taping group. This means that SS+Taping can prevent negative results from exercise, which may prevent muscle injury.