Measurement of the Effect of Static Stretching on Hamstring Flexibility in High School Females

Background : flexibility that is one of basic aspects of any sport program , can be developed and acquired through various stretching exercises. This study examined the effect of six-weeks of static stretching on hamstring flexibility in high school females. Methods : Thirty healthy high school females aged 15 to 17 years were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The training group underwent static stretch training of the hamstring with a six-weeks protocol training sessions were 3 days per week, including 4 30-seconds stretches per day for each of subjects. The other group acted as control group. Before and after six-weeks of stretching, flexibility of the hamstring muscles was determined by Sit & Reach Test. Results : A significant increase in flexibility of hamstring was found in training group (mean 31cm to 39/87cm), and no significant difference was revealed in hamstring flexibility after the six-weeks static stretching for the control group. Conclusion: This study indicated that the static stretching significantly increased the hamstring flexibility and suggests that subjects use static stretching for increasing their hamstring flexibility. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v8i5.10918