Affiliations: [a] Exercise Science and Physical Education, Arizona State
University, Tempe, AZ, USA | [b] Physical Education, Grand Canyon College, Phoenix, AZ,
USA
Note: [] Corresponding author: Lee N. Burkett, Department of ESPE,
Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-0404, USA. Tel.: +1 602 965-7716;
E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Forty subjects (mean = 22.5 years, S.D. 2.56 years) were randomly
selected who were not regularly involved in routine stretching exercises for
the hamstring and low back. Subjects were compared for flexibility increase of
the hamstrings and low back after a four-week training period using traditional
stretching techniques and a new device, the Power Stretch. The subjects were
divided randomly into three groups: (1) Group I (control 1, n = 12) which
stretched with the assistance of a Certified Athletic Trainer; (2) Group II
(control 2, n = 15) which stretched with no assistance and; (3) Group III
(experimental, n = 13) which stretched with the Power Stretch. Flexibility was
measured (after a short warm-up) using a Wells sit-and-reach box. Long-term
flexibility was assessed by comparing flexibility before the four-week
intervention and after the four-week intervention. The statistical results
indicated there was a significant increase in long-term flexibility or all
techniques, but there was no significant difference between the techniques.
This study indicated that the Power Stretch was as effective as the traditional
stretching techniques used in this study.
