Final answer:
Stretching before or after physical activity/exercise can help decrease the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Research supports the benefits of stretching for injury prevention.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stretching before or after physical activity/exercise can help decrease the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. When you stretch, it improves flexibility and range of motion, which can reduce the chance of strains, sprains, and muscle tears. Stretching also increases blood flow to the muscles, helping to warm them up and prepare them for activity.
Research supports the benefits of stretching for injury prevention. For example, a study published in the Journal of Athletic Training found that pre-exercise stretching reduced the risk of musculoskeletal injuries in athletes. Another study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports showed that regular stretching reduced the risk of hamstring injuries.
In conclusion, stretching before or after physical activity/exercise is beneficial for decreasing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Research has demonstrated that it can reduce the likelihood of various types of injuries and improve overall performance.