Confusion and controversy exists regarding the benefits of stretching. All forms of stretching, however, are not alike.Understanding the difference between static stretching and dynamic stretching as well as when to utilize each is important for runners. For years athletes have stretched before training and competition because we were once told we should. Research has shown, however, that static stretching actually decreases athletic performance as a warm-up routine while a dynamic stretching warm-up improves performance by decreasing the risk of injury (Perrier ET, Pavol MJ, Hoffman MA. J Strength Cond Res. 2011 Jul:25(7):1925-31 & J. Wilson, PhD; Journal of Strength and Conditioning). 
Static stretches for runners include calf, hip flexor, quadriceps, and iliotibial band stretches. Typically held for at least 60-seconds, the purpose of static stretching is to increase flexibility. Static stretching targets collagen (the main component of tendons and connective tissue such as fascia) elasticity as well as muscle length. The problem with static stretching as a warm-up routine is two-fold. Increasing the length of a muscle or connective tissue in the body is a long-term commitment. Stretching statically for 60-seconds prior to a run or race will not result in long-term effects. The time to do a static stretching routine is after your run or race is over, or when your body is at rest. Static stretching requires a time commitment but can be an effective means of reducing injury if done properly.Static stretching has an inhibitory neuromuscular effect on the body. Research has shown that a statically-stretched muscle produces less force for up to an hour following static stretching.
In contrast, dynamic stretching involves active movement of muscles (and their associated joints) associated with running prior to training and racing in order to prepare the body for movement. Dynamic stretching also targets the neuromuscular of running-specific musculature, but in a positive manner. Within the muscle-tendon junction of body are structures called Golgi tendon organs. The Golgi Tendon organs monitor muscle tension during activity and trigger the body’s protective mechanism of guarding or co-contraction to decrease injury risk. Dynamic stretching as a warm-up prior to activities such as running has been shown to inhibit the reactivity of the Golgi tendon organs as muscle contraction has a positive effect on the Golgi tendon organs. The net result of dynamic warm-up is a body with a short-term, functional increase in muscle length without the strength inhibition characteristic of static stretching.
A dynamic warm-up routine for runners should target the hips, quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteals, gastroc-soleus, intrinsic foot musculature, and upper body/torso.Dynamic warm-up is simple, requires no equipment, can be done wherever you are. Move the joints, warm up the musculature for running, and decrease the body’s resistance (protective guarding) to intense or sustained activity through dynamic stretching. Later this month I will share via The Runners Edge a series of photos demonstrating both dynamic stretching (pre-activity) and static stretching (post-activity, recovery) programs.
John Fiore, PT
Sapphire Physical Therapy
