INFLUENCES OF STRENGTH, STRETCHING AND CIRCULATORY EXERCISES ON FLEXIBILITY PARAMETERS OF THE HUMAN HAMSTRINGS

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of resistance trai ning, static and ballistic stretching and stationary cycling on the ra nge of motion (ROM) and end ROM torque of hip joint flexion, resting t ension of the hamstrings and stretch-induced electromyographic (EMG) a ctivity of the hamstrings. Four separate experimental groups performed either 15 min resistance training of the hamstrings (n = 12), 15 min static stretching of the hamstrings (n = 14), 15 min ballistic stretch ing of the hamstrings (n = 16), or 15 min stationary cycling (n = 12). A control group (n = 15) remained resting for 15 min. ROM was increas ed after static and ballistic stretching and after stationary cycling. ROM remained unchanged in the resistance training group as well as in the control group. End ROM torque showed a significant increase after static and ballistic stretching. Static and ballistic stretching and stationary cycling decreased EMG activity significantly. Resting tensi on was decreased only after stationary cycling (p < 0.1). The constanc y of the muscle resting tension suggests that merely the subjects' tol erance to higher stretching strain brings about the enlargement of ROM after short-term stretching exercises. The enlargement of ROM after s tationary cycling could have been caused by the poor decrease of resti ng tenison.