With the Exception of gymnasts and dancers, pre-event stretching does not decrease an athletes chance of injury such as a pulled muscle, according to studies at the Centers for Disease Control.
A strain typically happens when a muscle has to react suddenly to control an athlete's movement, Bracko said.
Other research has found that warm ups, which increase blood flow through the muscle and make it more ready to respond to exercise, can reduce the risk of injury, Thacker said.
Two other researchers said, however, that there may still be value in the stretches that coaches require, and athletes do.
"Unfortunately, a lot of us don't have a normal range of motion," Millar said.
I suggest athletes and weekend warriors use common sense. Warm up before a workout with walking or light calisthenics, don't try to perform beyond your abilities if you are not physically fit, and stretch after your workout.
Posted by linda on April 01, 2004