Stretching before sports might help prevent muscle strains in athletes, but we’re not totally sure yet because the research isn’t clear or strong enough.

Pro

Against

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

Community contributions welcome

To stretch or not to stretch: the role of stretching in injury prevention and performance

Narrative Review

Human

2010 Apr

Contradicting (0)

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No contradicting evidence found

Gold Standard Evidence Needed

According to GRADE and EBM methodology, here is what ideal scientific evidence would look like to definitively prove or disprove this specific claim, ordered from strongest to weakest evidence.

Source Study

To stretch or not to stretch: the role of stretching in injury prevention and performance

Score: 1

DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2009.01058.x

Similar Assertions

Stretching right before sports or workouts might make your muscles weaker for a short time, especially when it comes to strength.

82%

Stretching before you work out probably doesn't help prevent long-term injuries from repetitive motion, like runner's knee or tennis elbow.

80%

Stretching after exercise probably doesn't help healthy adults perform better right after, and won't boost things like how high you can jump or how fast you can sprint.

74%

Stretching after exercise probably doesn't help much with muscle soreness the next day, even if you're healthy and active.

71%