Effects of static and hold-relax stretching on hamstring range of motion using the FlexAbility LE1000

The purposes of this study were to determine the effects of static and hold -relax stretching on hamstring range of motion and to examine the reliabili ty of the FlexAbility LE1000 compared with the goniometrically measured act ive knee-extension test. Forty-two participants (18-25 years old) were assi gned to either a control, static, or hold-relax training group. Participant s were stretched four times a week over a 6-week period, with four 30-s str etches per session using a straight-leg-raise method on the FlexAbility LE1 000. It was determined that both static and hold-relax techniques significa ntly improved hamstring flexibility (ISLR: +33.08 degrees +/- 9.08 degrees and +35.17 degrees +/- 10.39 degrees, respectively). Participants of both t echniques reached a plateau in flexibility improvement between Weeks 4 and 5. Thus, static and hold-relax stretching are equally effective in improvin g hamstring ROM. The FlexAbility LE1000 and the goniometer were both found to be highly reliable. Therefore, either measurement technique could be use d successfully to measure hip-flexion ROM.