Which statement correctly describes the standing ITB stretch?

Which statement correctly describes the standing ITB stretch?

• A. Cross the affected leg behind the unaffected leg, then lean forward toward the unaffected side with the arm for balance.
• B. Cross the unaffected leg behind the affected leg, lean sideways toward the affected side.
• C. Sit with leg extended and reach toward the toes to stretch the hamstrings.
• D. Bend forward at the waist with hands behind the back to stretch the calves.

Answer: (A)

This standing stretch targets the iliotibial (IT) band along the outer thigh by using a cross-leg and side-bend position to place tension along the lateral thigh. Start with the leg you want to stretch crossed behind the other leg, then lean forward toward the opposite (unaffected) side and use the arm on that side for balance. This combination aligns the hip and thigh to lengthen the IT band from hip to knee, while the balance cue helps you maintain proper form and avoid compensations. The other options target different structures: sitting with the leg extended and reaching for the toes is a hamstring stretch, not the IT band; and bending forward with hands behind the back focuses more on the calves.

This standing stretch targets the iliotibial (IT) band along the outer thigh by using a cross-leg and side-bend position to place tension along the lateral thigh. Start with the leg you want to stretch crossed behind the other leg, then lean forward toward the opposite (unaffected) side and use the arm on that side for balance. This combination aligns the hip and thigh to lengthen the IT band from hip to knee, while the balance cue helps you maintain proper form and avoid compensations.

The other options target different structures: sitting with the leg extended and reaching for the toes is a hamstring stretch, not the IT band; and bending forward with hands behind the back focuses more on the calves.