The Optimal Duration of Static Stretching Exercises for Improvement of Flexibility post Burn Contracture of Hamstring Muscle

The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal time of static stretching exercises to increase flexibility in post burn contracture of the hamstring muscle, as measured by knee extension range of motion. Twenty male patients ranging in age from 18 to 32 years and who had decreased hamstring muscle flexibility as a result of partial thickness burn were classified into 2 equal groups 10 of each, Group (1): received 60 seconds of stretching exercise and Group (2): received 120 seconds of stretching exercise.. Both groups received stretching exercises 5 days per week for 8 weeks. Measurements of knee extension range of motion were conducted before treatment, post 4 weeks of treatment, and after 8 weeks of treatment. The student’ s t test was used to compare knee extension range of motion which revealed that second treatment group (120 seconds stretch) had significant (P< 0.05) gains in knee extension ROM after 8 weeks post stretching exercises. The results of this study suggest that 120 seconds duration is more effective than 60 seconds stretch to improve a hamstring muscle stretching in order to increase ROM.