Hatfield Strap Range of Motion Study
Interventions included static hamstring and posterior calf stretching or Hatfield strap assisted stretching on each leg for 4 weeks, stretching was completed for a period of 2 minutes, 4 times per week.
An active straight leg raise was chosen in this instance to evaluate specifically the hamstring as opposed to a sit and reach test which also involved motion at the spine, shoulders and pelvis. The subject was asked to lay supine and raise the test leg until they felt initial resistance, the subjects repeated this 3 times and an average was taken of the angle.
During the 4 weeks, subjects were asked to perform the stretches as described, 4 times per week. 2 of these sessions were done under supervision.
The results indicate that there was an increase in ROM and ankle dorsiflexion using the Hatfield strap of on average 8.8 degrees and 1.22 centimeters respectively. This compares favorably with studies investigating proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on hamstring flexibility and the Hatfield strap could also prove effective in self-administered PNF stretching.
