Comparison of stretching with ice, stretching with heat, or stretching alone on hamstring flexibility.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the efficacy of stretching with ice for increasing hamstring flexibility.


METHODS
Supine hamstring flexibility was measured before and after subjects accomplished a 20-minute hamstring stretching routine. Two groups of eight subjects accomplished the routine using one of two modalities. A control group (n = 8) accomplished the routine without a modality. The measurements were compared.


METHODS
Twenty-four male collegiate baseball players.


METHODS
Heat or ice applied to the hamstring.


RESULTS
We found differences in the responses among subject groups. Supine hamstring flexibility after stretching with ice was greater than both stretching with heat and stretching alone. Scores after stretching with heat and stretching alone were not different.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of our investigation suggest that the application of ice may provide enhanced short-term improvements in hamstring flexibility over heat or stretching alone. Further research is necessary to investigate the possible mechanisms for these improvements and to determine whether similar results can be obtained with other muscle groups.
Gary R. Brodowicz is Associate Professor at Department of Public Health Education, Portland State University, P.O. Box 751, Portland OR 97207.
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Welsh
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Wallis