Hi Claire

On my web site (www.brianmac.demon.co.uk) I have an extract from a paper on this very topic.

On the home page select the link to “Page Index A-Z” (link at the top of the page). On the index page select the link to "Stretching - Pre and Post Exercise analysis"

In the Help section of this page you can also contact the author for more details.

Hope this helps

Brian

Hi Claire

I believe the army of Austraila? did a study with regard to benefits of stretching of recurits and found there was little evidence of the benefits of pre stretching. As most army training is circuit based and running I would be less keen to take that study on board. Any study must indepth to produce quality results and I would assume that the data used in that study may not have been of the highest quality due to the nature of the subjects, no disrespect to the soldiers but I would think there would be too many variables on that data.

As to pre stretching, I would suggest that prepartory stretching is a good idea, static stretches held 8 to 10 seconds in a whole body approach after a 5 to 10 minute warm subject to external factors, temperature, activity, area, training session undertaken, ability, physical condition of the individual etc. Warm up is variable and fluid as should be seen as such, if in a group session the group is only as strong as the weakest link, you cannot forfill your obligation if you do not exercise duty of care for all.

As to Ballastic stretching I am not a believer in this at all.

In PNF if done with a partner, I would have concerns about this too, as again knowledge is important, just because you know what you are doing, you cannot assume your partner does.

I would say that prepartory or maintance stretching of the 8 to 10 seconds is a good rule of thumb. Of course developmental stretching to increase flexibility by adding additional time to allow the golgi tendon organ and the stretch reflex to ease off is a method which has much merit in my opinion.

If I come across any studys in stretching I will put up a web address if it is allowed but I find google is a good search engine but if your pupils can get into the university library then there may be a mechanism that allows them to access books and journals from other universities dependant on arrangements, if they have agreements. As I do know the age of your students if they are not at university then perhaps you could contact your local university and see if they would allow access as part of widening access. Your students would probably not be able to borrow books but they could access the material on site.

Hope this helps.

George Laird
University of Glasgow

Go to the 'Journal of applied physiology' and do an article search there, i'm sure you will find heaps of useful info. There are some articles that you will need to be a member for, but a vast amount you don't. If you are a student you may also have access to the "Exercise and Science in Sport Journal" at your med library, lot's more info ther too.

http://jap.physiology.org/

There was a very good summary in Sports Injury Bulletin April 2003 No 28. Not too sure of website but try google.

Basically there has now been quite a bit of research (always more needed of course). It shows no benefit to stretching or a reduction in performance and an increase in injury risk - especially for power events.

I think there is some confusion over dynamic stretching. To me, what people call dynamic stretching is really warm ups that use more msucles than just jogging alone. Real dynamic stretching I belive is ballistic stretching and therefore shouldn't be used. Just my opinion though.

Joe

SIB's website address is:

http://www.sportsinjurybulletin.com

Let me know if you want any back issues.

Mark E

also http://coachesinfo.com may have some info

I don't know if it will be of any use to you,but you could take a look at http://www.tenzone.u-net.com/ It is an archery based site, but I have
found it to be of great value,
C.

claire,get the video stretching scientifically,its a old video but explains all about streching and warming up

That study said the trials were small and of questionable quality and the only conclusion was that it doesn't reduce muscle soreness in young healthy adults.

Regards
http://www.bewellbuzz.com/general/benefits-of-stretching/

I appreciate the concern which is been rose. The things need to be sorted out because it’s not about the individual but it can be with everyone
thanx
catus
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