Acute effect of 30 and 60 second static hamstring stretch on knee flexion strength

Abstract

This study was designed to determine if there is a difference in torque produced with a hamstring curl after a 30 second and 60 second passive static hamstring stretch. Our study included 50 participants (13 males, 37 females) between the ages of 20 and 29. Excluded subjects included individuals with a history of surgery on their dominant leg (the leg they kick a ball with) and expecting mothers. The Lido Isokinetic Dynamometer was used to measure torque production (NM) of concentric knee flexion on two separate occasions no more than two weeks apart. The first testing session was performed without a pre-test stretch and the second was performed with a pre-test stretch. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in torque production between the 30 second and 60 second static stretching groups.