Abstract
Many studies have been conducted on static and dynamic stretching effects on performance, analyzing factors such as strength and power, speed and agility, and endurance-dominant activities. However, the results have been inconclusive; some studies report significant effects from a stretching style while some reporting no noticeable differences. PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate both the physiological and performance-related effects of static versus dynamic stretching by monitoring participants' heart rates and physical performance across two stretching conditions. METHODS: 13 adult participants consisting of 5 females and 8 males in the experiment was conducted over 3 consecutive days, with the second day serving as a rest day. On Day 1 & 3, participants were assigned a stretching protocol, either dynamic or static. On each of these days, baseline measurements on assessments were recorded without stretching and then repeated with stretching while heart rate was monitored throughout. The evaluated assessments include a Sit-N-Reach test, 2-In-2-Out agility ladder drill, goniometer readings of lower extremities, and a standing long jump. JASP 3.1 statistical software was used to compare outcomes based on stretch protocol condition using descriptive statistics and paired-t-tests with an alpha level of p < .05. RESULTS: Preliminary results reveal that dynamic sessions produced higher post-stretch heart rates with participants saying they felt “looser” in comparison to their static stretching day. Our other assessments displayed no noticeable trends amongst the participant population and were more participant specific. However, these results are preliminary findings; further data collection is currently in progress. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that dynamic stretching is the preferred method to go about when taking part in activities where speed and precision are important. Due to the variability in the results or due to small sample size. However, further data collection will continue to make any definitive conclusions.
Recommended Citation
Findeisen, Grace; Faxigue, Jonathan; and Gobert, Denise V.
(2026)
"Ready, Set, Stretch: Comparing Static and Dynamic Stretching Effects on Performance,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2:
Iss.
18, Article 99.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss18/99