SECTION II - EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY AND SPORTS MEDICINE / RESEARCH PAPER
Acute Effects of Long and Typical-Duration Static Stretching
or Eccentric Exercise on Flexibility and Performance
in Young Males with Hamstring Tightness:
A Randomized Controlled Trial
1
Department of Physical Therapy, Allied Health Sciences Faculty, Burapha University, Chonburi, Thailand.
2
Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand.
3
Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand.
4
Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania.
5
Allied Health Sciences Faculty, Burapha University, Chonburi, Thailand.
Submission date: 2025-07-29
Final revision date: 2025-09-29
Acceptance date: 2026-04-20
Online publication date: 2026-09-04
Corresponding author
Pornpimol Muanjai
Allied Health Sciences Faculty, Burapha University, Chonburi, Department of Physical Therapy, Thailand
Allied Health Sciences Faculty, Burapha University, Chonburi, Department of Physical Therapy, Thailand
KEYWORDS
musculotendinous mechanical propertiesjoint extensibilitymuscle architecturepeak torquehamstring shortening
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Hamstring tightness is a contributing factor to various musculoskeletal health issues across diverse populations. However, the effectiveness of prolonged stretching interventions in enhancing flexibility, as well as the underlying physiological mechanisms remain insufficiently investigated. This study aimed to investigate changes in fascicle length (FL), musculotendinous unit (MTU) stiffness, and muscular performance following a single bout of long-duration static stretching (LS), typical-duration static stretching (SS), or eccentric exercise (ECC) in young men with hamstring tightness. Sixty-eight physically active men (22.0 ± 1.7 years) were randomly assigned to one of the four conditions: LS, SS, ECC, or control. FL, straight leg raise (SLR), MTU stiffness, eccentric torque, and jump height were measured before and immediately after exercise. Immediately following exercise, SLR increased significantly by 11.6% (d = 1.31), 4.3% (d = 0.86), and 6.9% (d = 0.99) for LS, SS, and ECC, respectively (all p < 0.01). FL was significantly greater post-exercise in all three intervention groups (p < 0.05). MTU stiffness decreased by 11.2% following LS and 13.1% following SS. Additionally, LS resulted in a reduction in peak torque by 23.9% (d = 1.29, p < 0.001) whereas no changes in jump height were observed in this study. LS did not produce superior acute effects on flexibility improvements, FL changes, or MTU stiffness reduction. Furthermore, LS was associated with an acute reduction in muscle strength. These findings support the use of typical-duration SS or ECC for individuals with tight hamstrings.
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