Effects Of Static Versus Dynamic Stretching On Lower Extremity Power Output And Flexibility In Dancers

INTRODUCTION: Collegiate dancers require a large range of motion throughout all joints. Previous research has shown static (STA) stretching to be most effective at improving flexibility. Due to this factor, warmups for dance are primarily based on STA stretching to allow dancers to reach their maximum flexibility. Previous research has also shown that STA stretching before activity can have negative effects on an athlete’s power output, and a large amount of power is essential for dance. PURPOSE: Determine the effect of STA and dynamic (DYN) stretching on lower extremity power and flexibility in collegiate dancers. METHODS: Subjects (N = 10) were recruited from the U of A Dance Team. Data collection involved 3 sessions with different stretching protocols. DYN warm-up, STA warmup, or no warmup (CON) were completed before different sessions. Biodex testing was performed to assess individual power output of right and left knee extension and flexion and a flexibility test was performed to test hamstring flexibility. Paired t-test were used to assess significance. Significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Significance (p < 0.05) was found in right knee extension mean peak torque (98.8 DYN vs 91.0 ft/lbs STA), left knee extension mean peak torque (73.5 ft/lbs CON vs 99.4 ft/lbs DYN), right knee mean flexibility (18.9 in. CON vs 20.5 in. STA) and left knee mean flexibility (18.5 in. CON vs 20.5 in. STA). No other measurements showed significance. CONCLUSION: There was a functional difference in lower extremity power output for all power measures, but only some to a statistically significant level. Previous research has demonstrated similar power output results in dancers following DYN vs. STA warmups where no significant difference was observed. The results contradicted previous research which resulted in a significant increase of flexibility from DYN versus STA stretching in dancers. Future research should analyze flexibility and power output in dancers after being accustomed to dynamic warmups for a longer period of time, should analyze a different group of athletes, and analyze results after performing warmups of equal length.