Why is the rear foot elevated during the hip flexors contract-relax stretch?

The rear foot is elevated during the hip flexors contract-relax stretch primarily to increase the stretch of the rectus femoris, which is one of the muscles involved in the hip flexor group. Elevating the rear foot changes the angle of the hip joint, allowing for a greater range of motion and deeper stretch in the muscle groups involved, particularly the hip flexors and the quadriceps, which include the rectus femoris. This adjustment emphasizes the lengthening of the hip flexors as the participant engages in the contraction-relaxation process.

When the rear foot is elevated, it enhances the ability to fully extend the hip and increase the stretch applied to the anterior musculature. This positioning increases both the intensity and effectiveness of the stretch, aiding in greater flexibility and mobility in the hip region, particularly beneficial for athletes or individuals experiencing tightness in the hip flexors. As such, this aspect of the stretch is integral to achieving optimal results in targeting the rectus femoris during the corrective exercise.