Effect of Active Dynamic Versus Passive Static Stretching on Hamstring Muscle Tightness in Healthy Female Students: A Randomized Trial Study

Background: For decades, static stretching has been the standard benchmark for training programs, because it has been shown to increase flexibility compared with other methods of stretching. Objective: The current study investigated and compared the effects of active dynamic stretching and passive static stretching on hamstring tightness. Methods: For this experiment, ۶۴ female students were enrolled and randomly assigned to active dynamic or passive static stretching groups (n = ۳۲ each). The first and second experimental groups were trained with repetitive dynamic stretching and static stretching exercises, respectively. Exercises were performed ۱۰ times per limb, ۳ times per day, ۵ days per week for ۴ weeks. Hamstring muscle length measurements were repeated in weeks ۲ and ۴. Statistical analysis of the results was performed by t-test and repeated measures ANOVA using SPSS ۱۵. Results: Both experimental groups showed significant improvements in the active knee extension range of motion during the intervention (P < ۰.۰۰۱). However, active stretching showed better results and had a greater effect on range of motion in comparison with static stretching.Conclusion: Active dynamic training can be considered a suitable method for increasing the flexibility of the hamstring muscle and, consequently, reducing the complications and problems associated with hamstring tightness.

Keywords:

Training , Exercise , therapeutic , treatment