Table 1.
Subgroup | Number of measures | Std diff in means (95%CI) | p | Q statistics |
---|---|---|---|---|
Muscles tested | ||||
Sit-and-reach | 15 | –0.849 (–1.187 to –0.511) | <0.001a | |
Shoulder | 6 | 0.739 (–1.122 to –0.356) | <0.001a | |
Hamstrings | 39 | –1.155 (–1.379 to –0.931) | <0.001a | |
Quadriceps | 3 | –0.616 (–1.280 to 0.049) | 0.069 | |
Triceps surae | 14 | –0.696 (–1.006 to –0.387) | <0.001a | |
Hip flexors | 10 | –1.134 (–1.843 to –0.425) | 0.002a | |
Overall | 87 | –0.925 (–1.066 to –0.784) | <0.001 | Q = 8.441; df = 5; p = 0.134 |
Intensity of stretch | ||||
Low intensity | 32 | –0.923 (–1.122 to –0.724) | <0.001a | |
High intensity | 24 | –1.049 (–1.400 to –0.698) | <0.001a | |
Overall | 56 | –0.954 (–1.127 to –0.781) | <0.001 | Q = 0.376; df = 1; p = 0.540 |
Trained state | ||||
Recreationally active | 26 | –1.253 (–1.585 to –0.921) | <0.001a | |
Elite athlete | 4 | –1.296 (–2.413 to –0.179) | 0.023a | |
Sedentary | 16 | –1.044 (–1.482 to –0.606) | <0.001a | |
Overall | 46 | –1.183 (–1.441 to –0.926) | <0.001 | Q = 0.597; df = 3; p = 0.742 |
Stretching techniques | ||||
Static | 66 | –1.005 (–1.184 to –0.825) | <0.001a | |
Ballistic/dynamic | 8 | –0.550 (–0.852 to –0.248) | <0.001a | |
PNF | 11 | –1.283 (–1.757 to –0.813) | <0.001a | |
Overall | 85 | –0.925 (–1.095 to –0.778) | <0.001 | Q = 8.900; df = 2; p = 0.012b |
Sex | ||||
Male | 15 | –0.886 (–1.225 to –0.546) | <0.001a | |
Female | 14 | –1.558 (–2.088 to –1.028) | <0.001a | |
Overall | 29 | –1.081 (–1.368 to –0.795) | <0.001 | Q = 4.381; df = 1; p = 0.036b |
Supervision of the stretching intervention | ||||
Fully supervised | 37 | –1.081 (–1.329 to –0.833) | <0.001a | |
Periodically supervised | 12 | –0.750 (–1.064 to –0.436) | <0.001a | |
Not supervised | 9 | –0.740 (–1.139 to –0.340) | <0.001a | |
Overall | 58 | –0.913 (–1.088 to –0.738) | <0.001 | Q = 3.525; df = 2; p = 0.172 |
Note: Negative values of std diff in means indicates a favorable effect for stretching (and vice versa) on range of motion.
Abbreviations: 95%CI = 95% confidence interval; df = degree of freedom; PNF = proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation; Std diff = standardized difference.
Significant difference within a group.
Significant difference between groups.