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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Global Active Stretching is a relatively recent yet little studied stretching method. It differs from the most popular methods by targeting muscle chains and integrating stretching with muscle contractions, which may eventually avoid the post-stretching reduction of strength that occurs in other methods. To verify the immediate effects of Global Active Stretching on muscle strength and flexibility in individuals with short hamstrings. A single-blind randomised controlled trial was carried out on 30 volunteers with more than 20° in the active knee extension test, randomly assigned to three groups: the experimental group (Global Active Stretching exercise); the placebo group (Global Active Stretching initial position without stretching); and the control group (lying down). The active knee extension and fingertip-to-floor tests assessed hamstring and posterior chain flexibility. Hamstring and quadriceps strength were assessed using the peak torque evaluation in the Biodex System 4PRO®. Assessments took place before and immediately after the 15-minute intervention. The ANOVA and the paired t test were used (α = 0.05). The experimental group had a significant increase in flexibility in both the fingertip-to-floor test (8.3 cm) and the active knee extension test (6.3°) when compared to the placebo and control groups (p < 0.05), while no differences in strength were observed (p > 0.05). Global Active Stretching immediately increased hamstring flexibility without significantly reducing muscle strength. Thus, individuals seeking to enhance their short-term flexibility can benefit from this programme in a single session without compromising performance.
Description
Keywords
AKE test FTF test Muscle chains Hamstrings
Citation
Rodrigues, E., Pontes, A. R., Brochado, G., Bessa, I., Carvalho, P., & Crasto, C. (2024). Immediate effects of Global Active Stretching on strength and flexibility: Randomised controlled trial. South African Journal of Sports Medicine, 36(1), Artigo 1. https://doi.org/10.17159/2078-516X/2024/v36i1a16618
Publisher
South African Sports Medicine Association