Publication Date

8-1-2005

Degree Program

Department of Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport

Degree Type

Master of Science in Physical Education

Abstract

Stretching has been a part of warm-up for a very long time. Some recent research has shown that stretching could possibly hinder performance and others have shown it enhances performance. The purpose of this study was to examine whether stretching has an effect on vertical jump, and if so, how long the effects last. Twenty Western Kentucky students (10 M and 10 F) performed three trials each. There was a non-stretching group, a pre-stretching group and a between-stretching group; each of the subjects performed all three. The stretching protocol included a static stretching routine of the gluteus maximus, hamstrings, quadriceps, and triceps surae. This stretching protocol lasted 7 minutes. The non-stretching group did not stretch, they performed two jump tests; the pre-stretching group stretched first and then performed the two jump tests; and the between-stretching group did the first jump test, stretched and performed the final jump test. Subjects were randomly selected for order of performance in each trial. Results showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) in pre-stretching group reaction time 1 versus reaction time 2 (p = 0.035) and a significant difference in the between-stretching group jump height 1 versus jump height 2 (p = 0.004). There were no other significant differences. This suggests that stretching hinders reaction time and the height of a vertical jump.

Disciplines

Kinesiology | Sports Sciences

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