RESULTS The physiological effects of stretches may contribute to reducing discomfort and pain .
However , if other measures are not in place to remediate their causes , stretches may suppress awareness of risks , result ing in more debilitating injuries .
If inadequately performed , stretches may also cause or aggravate injuries .
The studies provided mixed findings , but demonstrated some beneficial effect of stretching in preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders .
OBJECTIVE This article review ed the literature to clarify the physiological effects and benefits of , and misconceptions about , stretches used to reduce musculoskeletal disorders .
The effect of time and frequency of static stretching on flexibility of the hamstring muscles.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Frequency and duration of static stretching have not been extensively examined . Additionally , the effect of multiple stretches per day has not been evaluated . The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal time and frequency of static stretching to increase flexibility of the hamstring muscles , as measured by knee extension range of motion ( ROM ) . SUBJECTS Ninety-three subjects ( 61 men , 32 women ) ranging in age from 21 to 39 years and who had limited hamstring muscle flexibility were r and omly assigned to one of five groups . The four stretching groups stretched 5 days per week for 6 weeks . The fifth group , which served as a control , did not stretch . METHODS Data were analyzed with a 5 x 2 ( group x test ) two-way analysis of variance for repeated measures on one variable ( test ) . RESULTS The change in flexibility appeared to be dependent on the duration and frequency of stretching . Further statistical analysis of the data indicated that the groups that stretched had more ROM than did the control group , but no differences were found among the stretching groups . CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION The results of this study suggest that a 30-second duration is an effective amount of time to sustain a hamstring muscle stretch in order to increase ROM . No increase in flexibility occurred when the duration of stretching was increased from 30 to 60 seconds or when the frequency of stretching was increased from one to three times per day
RESULTS The physiological effects of stretches may contribute to reducing discomfort and pain .
However , if other measures are not in place to remediate their causes , stretches may suppress awareness of risks , result ing in more debilitating injuries .
If inadequately performed , stretches may also cause or aggravate injuries .
The studies provided mixed findings , but demonstrated some beneficial effect of stretching in preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders .
OBJECTIVE This article review ed the literature to clarify the physiological effects and benefits of , and misconceptions about , stretches used to reduce musculoskeletal disorders .