title: Superficial precooling on a 4-week static stretching regimen: a randomized trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The influence of superficial precooling on range of motion (ROM) as part of a stretching program has not been extensively studied. It is not clear if the analgesic effect can benefit a stretching program.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Superficial precooling will result in greater gains in ROM as part of a stretching program, compared with stretching without a precooling intervention. Superficial precooling will also result in greater retention in ROM gains following cessation of stretching, compared with stretching without a precooling intervention.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective randomized single-blind test-retest design.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-nine participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 static stretching protocols: a standard protocol (n, 14; age, 24.6 ± 5.4 years) or a precool protocol (n, 15; age, 25.1 ± 7.3 years). These samples allowed for 80% power for statistical significance testing. Both groups performed static hamstring stretching daily for 4 weeks. The precool group applied ice to the hamstring for 10 minutes before stretching. Both groups stretched for 4 weeks and then stopped stretching for the last 4 weeks. Hip ROM measures were obtained each week for 8 weeks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  For the standard group, mean hip ROM increased from 71.4° ± 18.5° to 90.6° ± 20.5° and for the precool group, 71.5° ± 22.3° to 91.8° ± 20.9°. For the standard group, mean hip ROM decreased from 90.6° ± 20.5° to 83.9° ± 20.3° and for the precool group, 91.8° ± 20.9 to 85.0° ± 19.4°. There were no differences between groups at any time in the study (P > .05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Precooling had no beneficial effects on ROM or on retention of ROM.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cold application, before stretching, does not provide any benefit to a stretching program.
authors.affiliation: Cleveland Clinic Orthopaedic and Rheumatologic Institute, Cleveland, Ohio.
authors.forename: Jessica L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Rancour
authors.forename: Megan E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Terry
authors.forename: Clayton
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Holmes
authors.forename: Daniel J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Cipriani