Pre-exercise stretching does not prevent lower limb running injuries

Abstract

CLINICAL QUESTION: Does pre-exercise stretching reduce the incidence of lower limb soft tissue injuries in young adult runners (≤ 35 years old)? CLINICAL BOTTOM LINE: Studies involving young, healthy, male military subjects have failed to demonstrate a preventative effect of pre-exercise stretching on lower limb soft tissue injuries. Future research involving recreational or competitive runners, female subjects, and longer follow-up to track injury recurrence are warranted to further examine the effects of stretching on injury prevention.