Training & movement
C · Interpret with cautionDoes stretching help prevent sports injuries?
Subject: The impact of stretching on sports injury risk
What this means
Stretching was not linked to significantly fewer total injuries (odds ratio 0.93, not significant). The subgroup analyses showed the same picture.
Thacker SB, Gilchrist J, Stroup DF, Kimsey CD Jr · 2004 · Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 36(3):371-378
What does this rating mean?
Limited, mixed or hard-to-translate evidence. Useful as direction, not as a rule.
Findings
There is insufficient evidence that routine stretching before or after exercise prevents injury; potential effects on injury are not convincingly demonstrated in the reviewed literature.
Who this applies to
People taking part in sport or fitness, both competitive and recreational athletes.
What to keep in mind
The evidence was too limited to recommend or discourage stretching. The authors call for more well-conducted randomised trials.
Practical conclusion for REZA
Stretching may be useful for other reasons (e.g. movement comfort) but should not be sold as proven injury prevention.
View method and source
Methodology
Systematic review
Limitations
Included studies had varying quality and differing definitions of both stretching and injury.
Original source
DOI: 10.1249/01.mss.0000117134.83018.f7 · PMID: 15076777
View on PubMed →This information is general education about scientific research. It is not personal medical advice and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a doctor or other healthcare professional. If you have symptoms, a medical condition or take medication, consult your GP or treating professional before changing your training or nutrition.