Does stretching allow for a better performance, post-match recovery and injury prevention in youth stop-and-go sports players? A systematic review

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Supervisors: VAN CANT, Joachim ; Pitance, Laurent
Faculty: Faculté des sciences de la motricité
Degree label: Master [120] en sciences de la motricité, orientation générale
Abstract: Stretching has historically been recommended as a primordial part of the training routine to enhance performance and recovery as well as to prevent injuries. However, recent literature is questioning this fact. The purpose of this review was to focus on the benefit of stretching in youth stop-and-go sports players. Sixteen articles were eventually included for this review. The results did not differ from an adult players population. While stretching provides no or little benefit to recovery and injury prevention, dynamic stretching should be recommended prior to activity to enhance performance. Static stretching and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching should be reserved for the period following activity, to avoid their detrimental effects on performance.