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Truth or Consequences for Stretching in Sports

True or false: Stretching before sports or recreational activities prevents injuries. True or false: Stretching before competitive sports improves performance.

There isn't enough proof to answer either of these questions. It's not clear if routine stretching before or after exercise prevents injuries among athletes at any level. In fact, stretching and increased flexibility might even increase the rate of muscle injury.

Researchers found 361 articles on stretching published between 1966 and 2002. Six of these reports compared stretching with other methods to prevent injury. Results of these six reports are the focus of this study. The authors give information on the following four topics:

  • Stretching to improve flexibility.
  • Adverse effects of stretching and flexibility.
  • Effect of warm-up to prevent injury.
  • Risk factors for injury.

    Even though stretching is standard practice for most people in recreational or competitive sports or activities, there isn't enough data to support or stop its use. Some researchers go so far as to say it might affect athletic performance in a negative way. Stretching without a proper warm-up might increase risk of injury.

    Stretching does improve flexibility, but there's no proof that increased flexibility reduces injury. The authors suggest further research into this topic.

    • Reference: 

    Stephen B. Thacker, et al. The Impact of Stretching on Sports Injury Risk: A Systematic Review of the Literature. In Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. March 2004. Vol. 36. No. 3. Pp. 371-378.

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