Criterion-related validity of toe-touch test for estimating hamstring extensibility: A meta-analysis

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 1-minute stretching programme and 5 weeks of detraining on sit-and-reach score among schoolchildren aged 5–6 years in a physical education setting. Forty-five schoolchildren 5–6 years old from two classes were clustered randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 23) or a control group (n = 22). During the physical education classes, the students of the experimental group performed a 1-minute stretching programme twice a week for 8 weeks. Subsequently, these participants underwent a 5-week detraining period. The classic sit-and-reach test was performed at the beginning and at the end of the development programme, as well as at the end of the detraining period. The results of the two-way ANOVA showed that the intervention programme increased significantly the students’ sit-and-reach scores ( p < 0.001). However, after 5 weeks of detraining, children’s flexibility reverted back to the baseline levels ( p > 0.05). Although an only 1-minute stretching programme seems to develop the schoolchildren’s flexibility, after the 5-week detraining period students’ score reverts back to its initial level. This knowledge could help physical education teachers to design programmes that permit students to increase and maintain flexibility levels along the entire academic year.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the kinesio tape immediately after its application and after a duathlon competition on calf pain and the ankle range of motion in duathletes. A sample of 28 duathletes (age 29.11 ± 10.35 years; body height 172.57 ± 6.17 cm; body mass 66.63 ± 9.01 kg; body mass index 22.29 ± 2.00 kg/m2) were recruited from the competitors in a duathlon sprint. The Numerical Pain Rating Scale and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion measures were obtained at baseline, immediately after taping and 10 to 15 minutes after ending the duathlon competition. The kinesio tape was applied on the calf of duathletes 20 to 90 minutes before the competition, only on one of their legs (experimental leg) with the other leg acting as a control (control leg) in a randomized order. According to the between-group comparison, no differences were found immediately after the application of the kinesio tape and after the competition in the ankle range of motion and calf pain. However, a significant difference from baseline to immediately after taping was found in the ankle range of motion in the experimental leg. Applying the kinesio tape on the calf seems to immediately increase ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, but not after a duathlon competition. Applying the kinesio tape on the calf does not reduce muscle pain immediately or after a duathlon competition, but it appears to control an increase in pain.

The present paper assesses the relationship between sex and motivation in triathletes utilising a multidimensional measurement of motivation in sports. Data were collected from 138 triathlon participants (age range 17–72 years): 95 men ( M = 36.7yr., SD = 10.7) and 43 women ( M = 34.6yr., SD = 9.9). Measures included the Sport Motivation Scale, a multi-dimensional measure to assess different types of athletes' motivations for practising their sport. Results showed a significant sex difference in amotivation, with women displaying lower scores; but amotivation scores were very low. The results were not dependent on competition level or age. Men and women competing at the international level in triathlon have similar motivational profiles.

The aim of the present study was to compare the acute effect of a static- vs dynamic-based stretching warm-up on standing long jump (SLJ) performance in primary schoolchildren. The sample was composed of 76 schoolchildren, 43 girls and 33 boys, aged 9–10 years old from three fourth-grade...