Effect of active stretching on hip flexion range of motion: 15 versus 30 seconds

Abstract

The main purpose of the present study was to examine the efficacy of 12-weeks active stretching program to improve hip flexion range of motion in young adults, as son as evaluate the efficacy of two different stretching durations: 15 and 30 second. A total of 82 subjects young adults volunteer (57 men and 25 women) were the participants in this study. The participants were distributed by means of counterbalance in two stretching groups: a first group of 15 seconds of stretching duration (n=35), a second group with 30 seconds of stretching duration (n=47). Straight leg raise test (SLR). Was used to assess the hip flexion range of motion. Results showed that the active stretching technique was effective to increased hamstring flexibility independently of the stretching duration (p<0,05). Not significant differences were found between the different stretching groups (p>0,05). Conclusion: The active stretching technique is effective to improve hip flexion range of motion, being equal of effective 15 and 30 seconds of stretching duration.
Key Words:Hamstring, Flexibility, Range of motion, Active Stretching, Stretching duration.