What the study found
Prolonged static stretching did not change running economy in this experiment, although strength and jump performance declined and range of motion increased.
Participants and protocol
Ten male runners completed treadmill running before and after stretching and no-stretch conditions. A separate assessment measured flexibility, isometric strength and countermovement jumps.
What this cannot establish
The immediate effects of this lengthy stretching protocol do not establish long-term flexibility benefits, injury prevention or the best warm-up for every runner.
Publication details
- Record
- PubMed 18972248
- Publication types
- Randomized Controlled Trial
- Indexed subjects
- Pulmonary Gas Exchange · Range of Motion, Articular · Energy Metabolism · Oxygen Consumption · Heart Rate
- Source record checked
- 2026-10-18
Publication type and subject indexing describe the record; they are not a quality grade or proof of a benefit. An abstract does not replace a review of the full methods and results.
Adaptive AI coach for iPhone
Meet your adaptive AI coach.
Tell your coach what you are training for. It builds the plan, follows the work you complete, and adapts upcoming training when recovery, your schedule, or real life changes.
Keep going
Performance Science Lab
Research summaries for endurance athletes, with study context, practical protocols, and clear limitations.
Open guideBiomechanics performance research
Biomechanics changes can help — but most athletes should start with strength, cadence, and pacing.
Open guideRunning economy research for endurance athletes
Economy is the cost of speed. Small improvements compound over long races.
Open guide