Effect of Static Stretching on Prevention of Injuries for Military Recruits

Abstract

This prospective study was designed to evaluate whether static stretching can prevent training-related injuries in Japan Ground Self-Defense Force military recruits. A total of 901 recruits between 1996 and 1998 were divided into two groups. Of which, 518 recruits were assigned to the stretching group and practiced static stretching before and after each physical training session. The control subjects (383 recruits in the nonstretching group) did not stretch statically prior to exercise. The static stretching consisted of 18 exercises. We collected injury data from medical records and assessed the incidence and the location of injury. The total injury rate was almost the same between two groups; however, the incidences of muscle/tendon injury and low back pain were significantly lower in the stretching group (p < 0.05). Static stretching decreased the incidence of muscle-related injuries but did not prevent bone or joint injuries.

Acute effects of muscle stretching on physical performance, range of motion, and injury incidence in healthy active individuals: a systematic review

“…One study reported a benefit of stretching for ankle sprains (McKay et al 2001); however, this was a retrospective survey study, and 4 randomized controlled trials have shown no benefits of stretching on the rates of ankle sprains (Amako et al 2003;Pope et al 1998Pope et al , 2000van Mechelen et al 1993).…”

The COL5A1 genotype is associated with range of motion

“…The causes of musculoskeletal injuries result from a complex interaction of multiple risk factors and events [2]. Range of motion (ROM) has been known as one of the risk factors for increased musculoskeletal injuries [3,4]. Musculoskeletal flexibility is defined as the ability to move a joint through its complete ROM, and therefore it is important to maintain flexibility as decreased ROM is a contributing risk factor for injuries [5].…”

A Case-Control Study of Risk Factors for Low Back Injury in Employees of a Large Home Improvement Retail Company

“…Reviews have shown that stretching can mcrease flexibility (Smith CA, 1994), and that stretching is beneficial in reducing sprain and strain injuries (Smith RB, 1990). But others have shown no association with lower injury rates (Shier, 1999;Amako et al, 2003;Weldon et al, 2003;Pope et al, 2000) or that stretching was detrimental (Shier 1,1999) and Ho well DW (1984) showed a negative correlation between stretching and low back pain incidence in lightweight women rowers.…”