Effects of static and dynamic stretching with strengthening exercises in patients with patellofemoral pain who have inflexible hamstrings: A randomized controlled trial.

Sports Health. Jan/Feb 2021;13(1):49-56. doi: Lee JH, Jang K, Kim E, Rhim HC, Kim H.

Background: Patellofemoral pain (PFP) syndrome is closely associated with muscle tightness. However, studies regarding the effects of stretching exercises on PFP patients with inflexible hamstrings are scarce.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to compare the effects between static and dynamic hamstring stretching in patients with PFP who have inflexible hamstrings.

Conclusion: In patients with PFP who have inflexible hamstrings, dynamic hamstring stretching with strengthening exercises was superior for improving muscle activation time and clinical outcomes compared with static hamstring stretching with strengthening exercises. Clinicians and therapists could implement dynamic hamstring stretching to improve function and reduce pain in patients with PFP who have inflexible hamstrings.

See abstract.