To compare immediate, 24 and 48 hours effects of static, dynamic and PNF stretching techniques on hamstring flexibility

Acquaintance about different stretching methods and applying of the most effective them is necessary to improve sport skills, prevent sport injuries and accurate treatment. Several techniques of stretching exercises are recommended to improve flexibility and among them static, dynamic and PNF techniques have been widely used. The purpose of present study was to compare immediate 24 and 48 hours effects of static, dynamic and PNF stretching techniques on boy students hamstring flexibility. The study was Quasi Experimental with one pre-test and 3 post test. One hundred and sixty eight high school students (age, 15.7 ± 0.07 years; height, 171.2 ± 0.56 cm; weight 63.9 ±1.14 kg) participated in this study. Participants randomly assigned into for groups. Group one performed static, group two dynamic, group three PNF techniques of stretching and fourth group considered as a control group. The groups participated during 3 days on this study. To measure hamstring flexibility sit and reach test was administered pre and post intervention. ANOVA with repeated measures were used to analyze the data. The finding revealed significant differences between pre and post tests for all three stretching techniques immediately after stretching exercises while no changes was reported for control group (P≤0.05). Tokays fallow up tests indicated that 24 and 48 hours post intervention effects of static and PNF stretching were remained while dynamic stretching effect was disappeared 24 hours post intervention. Based on the finding of this study all three stretching techniques improved immediately hamstring flexibility while the effect of static and PNF techniques of stretching remained up to 48 hours post stretching. As a result, static and PNF stretching are more efficient than dynamic stretching.