This review of the available information demonstrates that stretching
is important to athletic performance by increasing muscle-joint
mobility. Studies also suggest that great lack of mobility increases
the risk of injury. However, within limits of normal flexibility,
there is no evidence in the literature for a preventive effect of
stretching on the occurrence of athletic injuries. Dynamic range of
motion is greater than static range of motion due to the enhanced
tissue elasticity and to the relaxation of opposing muscles during
activity [40].
Qualitative flexibility is important in sports activities such as
gymnastic, diving, ice skating or dance. At the same time, it is not
clear whether there is a flexibility threshold for optimal performance
or if additional mobility is necessary [41]. In any case, several
studies seem to indicate that performance might be decreased at
the limits of flexibility.
The president of the Council for Physical Fitness and Sports [42]
recently wrote that not only stretching might not prevent the risk of
injuries, but it might also compromise performance. Several animal
studies suggest that stretching does not protect against acute
strains [8]. Several theories explain how performance could be
compromised, the rate of injury be unaffected and even increased
as a result of stretching exercises [2]. These theories include decrease
of joint proprioception and decrease of ability of tendon and
muscle tissue to absorb energy, therefore leading to injury. Finally,
because most injuries occur during eccentric contractions within a
normal range of motion, it is not clear how the increase in range of
motion brought by stretching will decrease the risk of injury [2]