Chronic Static Stretching Improves Exercise

KOKKONEN, J., A. G. NELSON, C. ELDREDGE, and J. B. WINCHESTER. Chronic Static Stretching Improves Exercise Performance. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 39, No. 10, pp. 1825-1831, 2007. Purpose: This study investigated the influence of static stretching exercises on specific exercise performances. Methods: Thirty-eight volunteers participated in this study. The stretching group (STR) consisted of 8 males and II females whose activity was limited to a 10-wk, 40-min, 3-d'wk-1 static stretching routine designed to stretch all the major muscle groups in the lower extremity. The control group (CON) consisted of 8 males and II females who did not participate in any kind of regular exercise routine during the study. Each subject was measured before and after for flexibility, power (20-m sprint, standing long jump, vertical jump), strength (knee flexion and knee extension one-repetition maximum (IRM)), and strength endurance (number of repetitions at 6 0% of IRM for both knee flexion and knee extension). Results: STR had significant average improvements (P < 0.05) for flexibility (18.1%), standing long jump (2.3%), vertical jump (6.7%), 20-rn sprint (1.3%), knee flexion I RM (15.3%), knee extension I RM (32.4%), knee flexion endurance (30.4%) and knee extension endurance (28.5%). The control group showed no improvement. Conclusion: This study suggests that chronic static stretching exercises by themselves can improve specific exercise perfonnances. It is possible that persons who are unable to participate in traditional strength training activities may be able to experience gains through stretching, which would allow them to transition into a more traditional exercise regimen.