This is a topic where its easy to find research for and against stretching
to prevent injuries. Why? At a guess, stated simply, taking hamstring
strains as an example, numerous authors (see some of the refs I have to hand
below) have implicated limited flexibility as an important aetiological
factor in hamstring strains. The point here is that flexibility is only one
of many factors that can effect the chance of injury. That a muscle can
fullfill a specific function, at a specific time, under a set of specific
conditions in an appropriate fashion is understating and simplifying the
role muscles alone can play in musculoskeletal pathology. All these factors
change during different sports (especially open skills/activities), vary
between individuals, states of fatigue, state of mind/emotional focus etc.
When deciding whether to stretch before exercise would it not be more
practical to look at each specific activity seperately and make decisions on
how (if any) flexibility exercises fit into the whole scheme.eg. ROM
required for the activity compared to individuals ROM under those specific
conditions, time available, any other factors that may predispose to injury
and how they interact with flexibility exercises, specific research etc.
Anyway, just a few of my thoughts, heres a few refs where flexibility was
implicated as a factor (amongst others) in hamstring strains. There is also
well designed research out there refuting the involvement of flexibility in
muscle strains. Although I have only one ref to hand (Nagelberg. A.,
Swanson. J., Oertel. C, Christenson. S., (1998). Study Reviews Predisposing
Factors to Hamstring Strain in Athletics. American Academy of Orthopedic
Surgeons. WWW. aaos.org/ 98 press, if anyones intersted I'm sure theres
loads of other research out there as well.....
Cross.K.M., Worrell. T.D., (1999). Effects of a Static Stretching Program on
the Incidence of Lower Extremity Musculotendinous Strains. Journal of
Athletic Training. 34(1), 11-14.
Hartig. D.E., Henderson. J. M., (1999). Increasing Hamstring Flexibility
Decreases Lower Extremity Overuse Injuries in Military Basic Trainees. The
American Journal Of Sports Medicine. 27, 173-176.
Rupp.S., Kuppig. R., (1995) Muscle Flexibility and Injury Rates in Soccer-
Prospective Study Over One Season. Deutsche Zeitschrift Fur Sportmedizain.
46, 127.
Sullivan. K., Dejulia. J., Worrell.T.W., (1992). Effect of Pelvic Position
and Stretching Method on Hamstring Muscle Flexibility. Med. Sci. Sports
Exerc. 24, 1383-1389.
Worrell. T.W., Perrin. D.H., (1992). Hamstring Muscle Injury: The Influence
of Strength, Flexibility, Warm-up, and Fatigue. JOSPT. 16, 12-18.
Worrell. T.W. (1994). Factors Associated with Hamstring Injuries, An
Approach toTreatment and Preventative Methods. Sports Med. 17, 338-345.
Hope this is constructive,
Regards,
Steve Aspinall
3rd Year BSc Sport Rehab Undergrad
Salford Uni, UK.
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