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A comparison of six methods of stretch on the passive range of hip flexion

University of British Columbia

A theoretical model stating that one must decrease resistance in a target area (area to he stretched) or increase the ability to overcome that resistance (strength) in order to positively alter range of joint movement was designed and an experiment set up to begin testing this model. It was discussed that there are two distinct ranges of joint movements PASSIVE being that range attained with the aid of some external force (a partner or gravity) and ACTIVE being that range attained by voluntary muscle contraction. It was also discussed that most methods of stretching could likewise be classified as either ACTIVE METHODS or PASSIVE METHODS. It was the purpose of this study to research the effects of six methods of stretch on the passive range of right hip flexion of 119 volunteer college women. Approximately 20 subjects were randomly assigned to each one of seven treatment groups. All subjects were measured before treatments were initiated and after treatments had ceased at the end of the study. Six of the groups were each assigned to a stretching regimen which was practiced in a lab ten minutes a day, three days a week for three weeks. All subjects, including the control group, were tested pre and post treatment on the first day of each week. The methods that were tested were divided into: active methods in which the subject actively mobilized their leg (Active P.N.F. and Spring Stretch); passive methods in which the partner mobilized the subjects leg (Relaxation, Passive P.N.F. and Prolonged Stretch); and a combination method in which the partner mobilized the subjects leg and then the subject actively tried to maintain the range attained (Passive Lift-Active Hold). All treatment groups showed a significant increase in their range of hip flexion though the mean increase of the treatment groups was significantly greater than the mean increase of the control group. The three passive methods (Relaxation, Passive P.N.F. and Prolonged Stretch) and the combination method (Passive Lift-Active Hold) were all equally effective in increasing passive range (only 1.3° between highest and lowest). The mean gain of the three passive methods was significantly greater than the mean gain of the two active methods.

Text

2010-03-05

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http://hdl.handle.net/2429/21575

Physical Education

University of British Columbia

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