Flexibility: The Forgotten Component of Fitness: Eccentric Exercise vs. Static Stretching to Improve Flexibility

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to assess the effects of eccentric exercise as well as static stretching on flexibility following a six-week training intervention. It also compared the effects to those of a static stretching program. The hypothesis is that eccentric training will show larger enhancements in flexibility in sagittal plane movements of the hips and knees in comparison to a static stretching program. Training sessions were done three days per week and had a 24-hour rest period minimum between them. The exercises for the eccentric group were as follows: standing hip extension, standing split, straight leg lowering, and lying leg curl. The stretches for the static stretching group included a standing leg hamstring stretch, piriformis stretch, standing quadricep stretch, and a seated forward fold. Significant changes were noted with eccentric exercise as well as static stretching. No significant differences were noted between training groups. Therefore, it was concluded that eccentric exercise does improve flexibility but has no significant difference compared to static stretching.

Date of Award	2021
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University
Supervisor	Stacey Ruholl (Supervisor)