Impact of Various Stretching Techniques on Gait and Hip Range of Motion

This study was performed to determine the impact of dynamic versus static stretching exercises on range of motion at the hip and their impact on running gait. Three college students were selected and randomly assigned to three separate conditions: dynamic stretching, static stretching, and a control. Hip flexion and hyperextension range of motion was measured before and after the two-week stretching intervention with a manual goniometer. During the intervention, subjects were asked to perform only stretches provided by a licensed Physical Therapist. For the running trials, subjects were fitted with an Xsens suit with motion capture sensors pre and post-intervention. Subjects ran at their own pace for 20-meters after a brief calibration of the Xsens. Pre to post measurements of range of motion at hip indicated a greater difference with the static stretching condition