A recent study presented at the 2011 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggests that stretching might not be necessary before a workout. There have been arguments both for and against static stretching of the muscles and ligaments before exercise. Some believe that stretching reduces the risk of injury, while others say it has no effect or may even be detrimental. To study the impact of stretching on injuries in runners, researchers followed 2,792 runners for a three-month period. One group stretched prior to its runs, while the others didn't. The study found that the rate of injury was 16 percent for each group. "The risk of injury was the same for men and women ... and across all age groups," said Dr. Daniel Pereles of Montgomery Orthopedics in Washington, D.C., who performed the study. The researchers did find a correlation between weight and risk of injury - the heavier the runner, the greater the risk. Runners who had sustained exercise-related injuries less than four months before the study were also at a higher risk of injury. Runners who normally stretched before workouts and suddenly stopped - like some of those in the non-stretching group - were at an even greater risk.
Because this was the first controlled study examining the possible link between stretching and risk of injury, however, widespread evidence is limited. Researchers say runners should maintain their current routine, whether they stretch or not.
-compiled by Haley McKey
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