Title
Effects of Gastrocnemius, Hamstring, and Combined Stretching Programs on Knee Extensibility
Publication Date
2010
Document Type
Article
Abstract
This study examined the effectiveness of hamstrings-only, gastrocnemius-only, and simultaneous hamstrings-gastrocnemius stretching on knee extensibility. The study also compared active knee extension (AKE) test outcomes for two positions: foot relaxed in plantar flexion (AKE-PF) with ankle fixed in neutral (AKE-N). Forty-seven volunteer participants (94 legs) completed AKE-PF and AKE-N pretests. Forty-five of these participants (89 legs) completed 12 stretching sessions (one 30-second stretch 3 times per week for 4 weeks) and an AKE-PF posttest. Knee extensibility results showed no changes in the control group but similar and significant improvements in all stretching groups, and significant reductions for the AKE-N test compared with the AKE-PF test. Given these findings, clinicians should consider inclusion of gastrocnemius stretching in treatment plans designed to improve knee extensibility and monitor foot position during the AKE, perhaps using both plantar and dorsiflexed positions to gather more information regarding the sources of knee inextensibility.
Original Citation
Russell, P. J., Decoster, L. C., & Enea, D. (2010). Effects of Gastrocnemius, Hamstring, and Combined Stretching Programs on Knee Extensibility. Athletic Training & Sports Health Care, 2(2), 67-73. https://doi.org/10.3928/19425864-20100226-06
Identifier
Virtual Commons Citation
Russell, Pamela J.; Decoster, Laura C.; and Enea, Darcie (2010). Effects of Gastrocnemius, Hamstring, and Combined Stretching Programs on Knee Extensibility. In Movement Arts, Health Promotion and Leisure Studies Faculty Publications. Paper 1.
Available at: https://vc.bridgew.edu/mahpls_fac/1