Stretching: Acute and Chronic? The Potential Consequences : Strength & Conditioning Journal

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Stretching

Acute and Chronic? The Potential Consequences

Stone, Mike PhD; Ramsey, Michael W. PhD; Kinser, Ann M.; O'Bryant, Harold S. PhD; Ayers, Chris MS; Sands, William A. PhD

Author Information

East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee

Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina

United States Olympic Committee, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Mike Stone is currently the Exercise and Sports Science Laboratory Director at East Tennessee State University.

Michael Ramsey is Assistant Professor of Exercise Science at East Tennessee State University.

Ann Kinser is currently finishing coursework for a Master's degree in Exercise and Sport Sciences at East Tennessee State University.

Harold O'Bryant is a senior faculty member in the Health, Leisure, and Exercise Science Department at Appalachian State University.

Chris Ayers is an Assistant Professor at East Tennessee University.

William Sands is the head of Sports Biomechanics and Engineering for the United States Olympic Committee.

Strength and Conditioning Journal 28(6):p 66-74, December 2006.
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Abstract

summary 

Stretching is commonly used by many athletes in different sports. Although acute stretching, as part of a warm-up, can enhance range of motion, it may also reduce performance. Acute stretching can reduce peak force, rate of force production, and power output. Chronic stretching may enhance performance, although the mechanism is unclear. Acute stretching has little effect on injury. However, chronic stretching (not part of warm-up) may have some injury reduction potential.

© 2006 by the National Strength & Conditioning Association