Training & movement
CThe impact of stretching on sports injury risk
Thacker SB, Gilchrist J, Stroup DF, Kimsey CD Jr · 2004 · Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 36(3):371-378
REZA evidence rating C: Interpret with caution — What does this rating mean?
Limited, mixed or hard-to-translate evidence. Useful as direction, not as a rule.
Methodology
Systematic review
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.
Limitations
Included studies had varying quality and differing definitions of both stretching and injury.
Practical conclusion for REZA
Stretching may be useful for other reasons (e.g. movement comfort) but should not be sold as proven injury prevention.
Original source
DOI: 10.1249/01.mss.0000117134.83018.f7 · PMID: 15076777
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