Efficacy of hamstring stretching programs in schoolchildren. A systematic review

Abstract

The main purpose of the present review was to examine the scientific literature on the effects of physical education-based stretching programs on hamstring extensibility in schoolchildren aged 6-11 years. For this purpose relevant studies were searched from ten electronic databases dated up through May 2015. Of the 25 potentially relevant articles identified and retrieved for more detailed evaluation, only eight studies were included in the present review because they met the inclusion criteria. The overall results showed that incorporating hamstring stretching as a part of physical education classes produces a significant improvement in the scores of the tests: straight leg raise and classic sit-and-reach, for the experimental groups, but not for control groups. Stretching programs can be included in Physical Education classes, specifically during the warmup and the cool down periods in order to improve hamstring extensibility. Although it seems that the stretching exercises in the warm-up period could be less effective in gaining flexibility in school children. Studies that use a stretching volume between 4 and 7 minutes per session and 2-4 training classes per week, obtain statistically significant improvements on the levels of hamstring flexibility in the experimental groups. However, after a five-week detraining period, children revert back to their initial flexibility levels. Therefore, it seems appropriate that physical education teachers should implement stretching programs to improve the students´ flexibility during the Physical Education classes. Key words:Hamstring stretching, primary students, stretching program, review. RezumatScopul principal al acesteirecenzii a fost de a examina literatura de specialitate cu privire la efectele programelor de stretching asupra extensibilității mușchilor ischiogambieri la elevii cu vârste cuprinse între 6-11 ani. În acest scop, au fost cercetate studii relevante din zece baze de date electronice datate până în mai 2015. Din cele 25 de articole potențial relevante identificate și extrase pentru o evaluare mai detaliată, doar opt studii au îndeplinit criteriile de includere înaceastă recenzie. Rezultatele globale au arătat că includerea exercițiilor de stretching pentru mușchii ischiogambieri în cadrul orelor de educație fizică determină o îmbunătățire semnificativă a testelorLasègue și sit-and-reach, pentru loturile experimentale, dar nu și pentru cele de control. Programele de stretching pot fi incluse în orele de educație fizică, în special în timpul perioadelor de încălzire și relaxare cu scopul de a îmbunătăți extensibilitatea mușchilor ischiogambieri. Totuși, se pare că exercițiile de stretching efectuate în perioada de încălzire sunt mai puțin eficace în creșterea flexibilității la copiii de școală. Studiile care utilizează 2-4 sesiuni de antrenament pe săptămână cu durata între 4 și 7 minute pe sesiune, au obținut îmbunătățiri semnificative statistic ale flexibilității mușchilor ischiogambieri din grupele experimentale. Cu toate acestea, după o perio...

Effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions for back care and the prevention of non-specific low back pain in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…At least six weeks of treatment may be required to obtain improvements but at least twelve weeks are necessary for this improvement to be statistically significant. This statement aligns with findings from previous systematic reviews [ 16 , 57 ]. Some studies that assessed hamstring flexibility were not included because the treatment was not aimed at improving back care.…”

Musculoskeletal Asymmetries in Young Soccer Players: 8 Weeks of an Applied Individual Corrective Exercise Intervention Program

“…Hamstring flexibility was significantly improved bilaterally, with a large effect size, following the application of CEP, a result which is supported by several previous studies [32,44]. The frequency of our proposed hamstring stretching program was twice a week, 2.5 to 12.5 min, for 8 weeks.…”

“…It was found that the inclusion of stretching programs on tight hamstrings in 6-to 11-year-old school children can improve their performances in straight-leg-raise and sit-and-reach tests. In order for such a program to be effective, it was suggested that stretching exercises should be included during both the warm-up and cool-down periods [44]. It was also found that studies with two to four sessions per week, 4 to 7 min per session, 20 s holding per stretching, and between 8 and 32 weeks duration, may effectively improve hamstring flexibility [44].…”

“…In order for such a program to be effective, it was suggested that stretching exercises should be included during both the warm-up and cool-down periods [44]. It was also found that studies with two to four sessions per week, 4 to 7 min per session, 20 s holding per stretching, and between 8 and 32 weeks duration, may effectively improve hamstring flexibility [44]. Hill and Najera (2020) tested the efficacy of the hamstring stretching program in 13-15-year-old students.…”

Effect of Physical Education-based stretching programs on hamstring extensibility in high school students: A systematic review

“…There are also some previous studies that have examined the effectiveness and safety of a dynamic stretching program in high school students (Becerra-Fernández et al, 2016;Van Rensburg & Coetzee, 2014;Vidal, 1995). Recently, Becerra-Fernández and Merino-Marban (2015) performed a systematic review of the effect of PE-based stretching programs on hamstring extensibility in primary schoolchildren. Unfortunately, to our knowledge there is not any systematic review about the efficacy of hamstring stretching programs in high school students.…”