Immediate effects of Global Active Stretching on strength and flexibility: Randomised Controlled Trial

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/2078-516X/2024/v36i1a16618

Abstract

Background: Global Active Stretching is a relatively recent yet little studied stretching method. It differs from the most popular methods by targeting muscle chains and integrating stretching with muscle contractions, which may eventually avoid the post-stretching reduction of strength that occurs in other methods.

Objectives: To verify the immediate effects of Global Active Stretching on muscle strength and flexibility in individuals with short hamstrings.

Methods: A single-blind randomised controlled trial was carried out on 30 volunteers with more than 20° in the active knee extension test, randomly assigned to three groups: the experimental group (Global Active Stretching exercise); the placebo group (Global Active Stretching initial position without stretching); and the control group (lying down). The active knee extension and fingertip-to-floor tests assessed hamstring and posterior chain flexibility. Hamstring and quadriceps strength were assessed using the peak torque evaluation in the Biodex System 4PRO®. Assessments took place before and immediately after the 15-minute intervention. The ANOVA and the paired t test were used (α = 0.05).

Results: The experimental group had a significant increase in flexibility in both the fingertip-to-floor test (8.3 cm) and the active knee extension test (6.3°) when compared to the placebo and control groups (p < 0.05), while no differences in strength were observed (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Global Active Stretching immediately increased hamstring flexibility without significantly reducing muscle strength. Thus, individuals seeking to enhance their short-term flexibility can benefit from this programme in a single session without compromising performance.

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Author Biographies

  • Elisa Rodrigues, Polytechnic of Porto, Portugal

    Master in Sports Science - Adapted Physical Activity and is student PhD in Physiotherapy.

    Adjunct Professor in the Physiotherapy Department at the School of Health, Polytechnic of Porto, in the area of musculoskeletal conditions.

    Collaborates with the Research Centre for Rehabilitation in the area of the Human Movement System.

    Main research interests: Manual Therapy, Lymphatic Manual Drainage, Neurodynamics, and Postural Global Reeducation.

  • Ana Rita Pontes, Ministério da Educação, Portugal

    Master in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy.

    Clinical Physiotherapist at the Department of Physiotherapy, Ministério da Educação – Agrupamento de Escolas de Alfena, Valongo.

    Main research interests: Manual Therapy and Therapeutic exercise.

  • Gabriela Brochado, Escola Superior de Tecnologias de Saúde do Tâmega e Sousa, Portugal

    PhD in Physical Activity and Health by the University of Porto's Faculty of Sport.

    Physiotherapy Course Coordinator and Principal Adjunct Professor at the Departamento de Tecnologias de Diagnóstico e Terapêutica, Escola Superior de Tecnologias de Saúde do Tâmega e Sousa, Instituto Politécnico de Saúde do Norte, lecturing in Neuromusculoskeletal conditions, Research in physiotherapy, and Sports medicine.

    Main research interests: Musculoskeletal conditions, Research in physiotherapy and Physiotherapy education.

  • Isabel Bessa, Polytechnic of Porto, Portugal

    Master in Sports Science - Physical Activity for the Elderly

    Adjunct Professor in the Physiotherapy Department at the School of Health, Polytechnic of Porto, in the area of musculoskeletal conditions.

    Main research interests: Manual Therapy, neurodynamics, and Therapeutic exercise.

  • Paulo Carvalho, Polytechnic of Porto, Portugal

    PhD in Sport Sciences by the University of Porto's Faculty of Sport.

    Professor at the Physiotherapy Department of the School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Porto. Collaborates with the Centre for Translational Health and Medical Biotechnology Research (TBIO), School of Health, Polytechnic of Porto.

    Current research interests include Motor Control, Pain, and the effect of Exercise on the Human Movement System.

  • Carlos Crasto, Polytechnic of Porto, Portugal

    PhD in Education, Sport, and Health from the University of Vigo.

    Professor of the Physiotherapy Department at the Health School of Santa Maria - Porto and Guest lecturer in the Physiotherapy Department at the School of Health, Polytechnic of Porto, lecturing in the area of musculoskeletal conditions and research methodologies.

    Collaborates with the Research Centre for Rehabilitation in the area of the Human Movement System.

    Main research interests: Manual Therapy, Neurodynamics, and Therapeutic exercise.

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Published

2024-08-12

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Articles

How to Cite

Rodrigues, E., Pontes, A. R., Brochado, G., Bessa, I., Carvalho, P., & Crasto, C. (2024). Immediate effects of Global Active Stretching on strength and flexibility: Randomised Controlled Trial. South African Journal of Sports Medicine, 36(1). https://doi.org/10.17159/2078-516X/2024/v36i1a16618
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