Comparison of Effect of Eccentric Training Versus Static Stretching on Hamstring Flexibility

Purpose: To Compare the effect of eccentric training versus static stretching on hamstring flexibility in healthy male subjects

Design: We used a pre-test, post- test experimental group design where subjects were randomly assigned into 3 groups-static stretching, eccentric training and control group.

Subjects: 45 subjects (males) ranging in age from 18 to 25 years with limited hamstring muscle flexibility (i.e. at least 20º of knee extension deficit with hip at 90º of hip flexion).

Methods and Measures: Hamstring flexibility was measured using knee extension ROM and Sit and Reach test before training and at the end of 3rd and 6th week. Both static stretching and eccentric training group performed training for 3 days in a week for 6 weeks, while control group did not performed any training. Data was analyzed using one way ANOVA with post hoc Bonferroni for ROM and Kruskal Wallis with post hoc Mann Whitney for SRT.

Results: The data analysis revealed that there was significant improvement in hamstring flexibility after both static stretching and eccentric training group, but not in the control group. Significant improvement was obtained in both static stretching (ROM 11.83º, SRT 4.22cm) eccentric training (ROM 11.13º, SRT 4.05cm) but not in control group (ROM 0.3º, SRT 0.3 cm). No significant difference was found between both experimental groups.

Conclusion: Eccentric training group and static stretching group both showed significantly greater gains in flexibility than control group. There was no significant difference between eccentric training and static stretching on hamstring flexibility in healthy young males.