No.
This is a U.S. Army-style sit-up. I do sit-ups with my arms folded across my chest, hands on my shoulders
For a couple years I’ve thought that stretching didn’t prevent injuries. Now I’ve got a scientific reference to back up my contention. Also from the abstract:
Strength training reduced sports injuries to less than 1/3 and overuse injuries could be almost halved.
h/t James Steele II
Paleo Diabetic 