•Quick Research Review of Stretching
–Contradictory Findings
–Increased Injury Risk: Even at 24 hours later (10)
–Reduction of Protective Tension (11)
–Impaired Explosive Performance (Sprinting, Change of Direction, Jumping, etc.) – (#10-15)
–Tissue Lengthening vs. Neurological Tolerance: Most of the benefits of stretching are short lived since stretching affects the nervous system rather than lengthens tissue.
–3 Choices: 1). Keep stretching and don’t stop to maintain the neurological benefits OR 2). Start strength training for performance gains, longer lasting effects and injury prevention OR 3). Find out what is really going on (What parts are too mobile? What parts aren’t stable enough? What needs mobility work? What needs stability work?)
–Strength Training consistently showed longer lasting gains with better injury prevention
–Post Workout Recovery?: Stretching may not accelerate your rate of recovery (16)