Last modified: 2013-06-10
Abstract
EFFECT OF STATIC HAMSTRING STRETCHING ON SPEED IN APPARENTLY HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS.
BY
AKODU A.K, AJIBOYE OA, ONAKUNLE TO
Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medicine University of Lagos.
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR: akoduashiyatkehinde@yahoo.co.uk, akoduashiyat@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Background and objective: Static hamstring stretch is an essential component needed to improve sprint performance. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of static hamstring stretching on speed and flexibility among undergraduate students in the University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba.
Method: Thirty-nine (39) apparently healthy male and female undergraduate students between the ages of 18-24 years participated in this study. The participants were recruited from the University of Lagos in the Human Kinetics Education department. They were divided into two groups: group 1 and 2 with 19 and 20 participants respectively. Group1 performed the static hamstring stretch exercise and the 75metre dash (study group) and Group 2 performed the 75metre dash only (control group). The data obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 17. The obtained data was summarized with mean, frequency, standard deviation, tables, percentages, bar chart and pie charts for visual representation.
Result: The mean age was 21.00±1.67 years and 20.61±1.94 years, weight was 62.79±11.00kg and 65.67±9.83kg, height was 1.70±0.09m and 1.72±0.07m, and body mass index was 21.80±4.18kg/m2 and 22.22±3.23kg/m2 for participants in group1 and group 2 respectively. At the end of three (3) weeks, speed performance improved significantly (p<0.05) in both groups. There was no significant difference in the hamstring flexibility (p= 0.421).
Conclusion: Findings from this study suggest that static hamstring stretching can improve speed performance. Also hamstring flexibility in isolation is not a determinant factor for increase in sprint performance.
Key words: Static stretch, flexibility and speed performance.