Stretching before exercise does not prevent injuries: Study

By Dr. Ananya Mandal, MDFeb 21 2011

A new study presented on 18^th February at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ Annual Meeting reported that that warm-up stretching had no effect on whether runners sustained an injury or not. It did not prevent injuries or result in more injuries.

However researchers report that runners who changed their stretching routine had a higher rate of injury said Daniel Pereles an orthopaedic surgeon in Potomac, Md. He added, “If you are used to stretching, there is no reason not to stretch… If you aren't used to stretching, there’s no reason to start.”

Pereles, for the study involved 2,729 runners who ran 10 or more miles weekly to one of two groups: a stretch group or a non-stretch group. For some, the assigned group was a continuation of their regular routine; for others, it was a switch. Those assigned to the stretch group stretched quadriceps, hamstrings, and Achilles for 3-5 minutes just before running. Median age of the runners was 39 and they were told to keep everything else about their routine the same for the three-month study, including any warm-up activities they did that did not include stretching. Injury was defined as any condition that prevented running for at least a week.

At the end of the study 600 assigned to the stretch group and 798 to the non-stretch group were left for evaluation. Overall, the injury rate in both groups was 16%. Among the risk factors for injury were recent or chronic injuries along with having a higher body mass index (BMI). Results also showed that those who switched routines were more likely to be injured than those assigned to the group that continued the same habits. Runners who stretched before the study and were assigned to the non-stretch group had a 23% increase in injuries; runners who did not stretch before the study who were assigned to the stretch group had a 22% increase, or about a 40% increased injury risk for both groups. The reason for this is unknown.

Jacob Wilson of the University of Tampa, an independent observer said, “It pretty much supports the notion that stretching is not really good for injury prevention.” In his study he found that stretching doe not enhance performance. In his study, runners who stretched didn’t run as fast in a half-hour performance run as those who did not stretch.

Despite the findings, do not give up on stretching entirely, said Dr. Edward McDevitt, physician for the U.S. Naval Academy men’s and women's basketball teams. “I will continue to advise light stretching before exercise, for running or anything else…Stretching works on your flexibility. Maybe it won’t prevent you from getting hurt, but it will help your overall health. Stretching is still a very important [part] of your daily fitness,” he explained.