Zakas, A., Vergou, A., Grammatikopoulou, M. G., Zakas, N., Sentelidis, S., & Vamvakoudis, S. (2003). The effect of stretching during warming-up on the flexibility of junior handball players. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 43, 141-149.

Junior team handball players were divided into a control group (N = 15) that performed a normal warm-up and an experimental group that warmed-up normally as well as doing 20 minutes of stretching exercises. Range of movement was measured in body and leg joints.

Both groups increased range of movement in all joints.

Implication. Range of movement is promoted adequately by doing the intended sporting activity (game simulations) at the appropriate time in a warm-up. Dedicated stretching routines are not needed and produce no extra benefit.

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