injuryupdate
22-09-2004, 07:22 PM
Interesting conclusions from a new review in Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine:
Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine: Volume 14(5) September 2004 pp 267-273
Does Stretching Improve Performance?: A Systematic and Critical Review of the Literature
Shrier, Ian MD, PhD
Main Results: Of the 23 articles examining the effects of an acute bout of stretching, 22 articles suggested that there was no benefit for the outcomes isometric force, isokinetic torque, or jumping height. There was 1 article that suggested improved running economy. Of 4 articles examining running speed, 1 suggested that stretching was beneficial, 1 suggested that it was detrimental, and 2 had equivocal results. Of the 9 studies examining the effects of regular stretching, 7 suggested that it was beneficial, and the 2 showing no effect examined only the performance test of running economy. There were none that suggested that it was detrimental.
Conclusions: An acute bout of stretching does not improve force or jump height, and the results for running speed are contradictory. Regular stretching improves force, jump height, and speed, although there is no evidence that it improves running economy.
Discussion: In summary, the evidence suggests that stretching immediately prior to exercise decreases the results on performance tests that require isolated force or power. The effect on running speed remains to be determined. On the other hand, regular stretching will improve the results for all activities. This is similar to the fact that stretching immediately prior to exercise does not reduce the risk of injury, but that regular stretching may reduce the risk of injury. 6 Therefore, if one stretches, one should stretch after exercise, or at a time not related to exercise (the relative benefit of each remains unstudied at the present time). Future research should investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which the effects of stretching occur, whether the added benefit of regular stretching is as effective as other types of performance-enhancement exercises being promoted (e.g., plyometrics, increased weight training), and whether the same effects are seen in the presence of injury.
Interesting conclusion that for performance (and maybe injury prevention) you should stretch, but NOT BEFORE exercise.
Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine: Volume 14(5) September 2004 pp 267-273
Does Stretching Improve Performance?: A Systematic and Critical Review of the Literature
Shrier, Ian MD, PhD
Main Results: Of the 23 articles examining the effects of an acute bout of stretching, 22 articles suggested that there was no benefit for the outcomes isometric force, isokinetic torque, or jumping height. There was 1 article that suggested improved running economy. Of 4 articles examining running speed, 1 suggested that stretching was beneficial, 1 suggested that it was detrimental, and 2 had equivocal results. Of the 9 studies examining the effects of regular stretching, 7 suggested that it was beneficial, and the 2 showing no effect examined only the performance test of running economy. There were none that suggested that it was detrimental.
Conclusions: An acute bout of stretching does not improve force or jump height, and the results for running speed are contradictory. Regular stretching improves force, jump height, and speed, although there is no evidence that it improves running economy.
Discussion: In summary, the evidence suggests that stretching immediately prior to exercise decreases the results on performance tests that require isolated force or power. The effect on running speed remains to be determined. On the other hand, regular stretching will improve the results for all activities. This is similar to the fact that stretching immediately prior to exercise does not reduce the risk of injury, but that regular stretching may reduce the risk of injury. 6 Therefore, if one stretches, one should stretch after exercise, or at a time not related to exercise (the relative benefit of each remains unstudied at the present time). Future research should investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which the effects of stretching occur, whether the added benefit of regular stretching is as effective as other types of performance-enhancement exercises being promoted (e.g., plyometrics, increased weight training), and whether the same effects are seen in the presence of injury.
Interesting conclusion that for performance (and maybe injury prevention) you should stretch, but NOT BEFORE exercise.