Two stretching treatments for the hamstrings: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation versus kinesio taping

Context: Recent studies have shown that the static stretch (SS) may adversely affect leg-muscle performance. Objectives: The authors examined the short-term effects of 2 stretching exercises on hamstrings muscle before and after exercise. Design: Crossover. Setting: Laboratory. Participants: 9 healthy, physically active men. Interventions: There were 3 protocols in a randomized order with a 7-d interval: nonstretching (CON protocol), hamstrings static stretching (SS) with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), and SS with kinesiotaping application on the hamstrings. Main Outcome Measures: Outcome measures included first-felt and maximum tolerant-felt range of motion (FROM and TROM), maximal knee-flexion peak torque (PT) at 180°/s, and hamstrings muscle stiffness. Results: Groups were not different at prestretching in terms of hamstrings flexibility, PT, and muscle stiffness. At poststretching, both stretching protocols showed significant increases in FROM and TROM (P < .05). Stiffer hamstrings muscle and decreased PT were found in both SS+PNF and CON protocols (P <.05). However, there was no significant difference in the SS+Taping protocol (P >.05). Conclusion: The stretching protocols improve hamstrings flexibility immediately, but after exercise hamstrings peak torque is diminished in the SS+PNF but not in the SS+Taping group. This means that SS+Taping can prevent negative results from exercise, which may prevent muscle injury.