A STUDY ON THE ACUTE EFFECTS OF YOGA AND DYNAMIC STRETCHING

Abstract

This study was performed in order to determine which stretching style impacts acute range of motion more, static yoga stretching or dynamic stretching. Eighteen participants between the ages of nineteen and twenty four were recruited from Angelo State University. Participants were subjected to a series of range of motion tests targeting major muscle groups. These tests were performed once for a control score, then two more times following static and dynamic stretching sessions. Statistical analysis revealed significant improvement on all tests between the control scores and the interventions. Analysis also revealed that yoga improved scores significantly more than dynamic stretching in the Sit and Reach test. Based on this information it is clear that there are benefits obtained by engaging in both static and dynamic stretch routines, though for some regions of the body yoga may be more effective at increasing range of motion.