Does Stretching Help To Prevent Injuries?
Some studies do suggest static stretching will lead to a reduction in injury rates, but a lot of this research is inconclusive. Shrier (1999) found in a review of literature that three trials found that stretching was beneficial, but each trial also included some warm up exercise. Five other studies found no difference in injury rates, and three suggested stretching was harmful! Pope et al (1998 & 2000) evaluated the effects of stretching on military recruits and demonstrated no difference in the risk of injury. However the sample size was small , and only calf stretching and injuries were examined. There is however, much anecdotal evidence to support stretching, given that many of our clients who are managing various injuries get significant pain reduction and improved function from static stretching. It is likely that future research will support the use of stretching when certain variables are taken into account, such as poor muscle length, or a history of previous injury. For healt
