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Kay AD, Blazevich AJ, Tysoe JC, Baxter BA. Cross-Education Effects of Isokinetic Eccentric Plantarflexor Training on Flexibility, Strength, and Muscle-Tendon Mechanics. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2024; 56:1242-1255. [PMID: 38451696 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000003418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Large increases in joint range of motion (ROM) have been reported after eccentric resistance training; however, limited data exist describing the associated mechanisms or potential cross-education effects in the contralateral limb. Therefore, the effects of a 6-wk isokinetic eccentric plantarflexor training program were examined in 26 participants. METHODS Before and after the training program, dorsiflexion ROM, plantarflexor strength, and muscle-tendon unit (MTU) morphology and mechanics were measured in control ( n = 13) and experimental ( n = 13) young adult groups. Training consisted of 5 sets of 12 maximal isokinetic eccentric plantarflexor contractions twice weekly on the right limb. RESULTS Significant ( P < 0.05) increases in dorsiflexion ROM (4.0-9.5°), stretch tolerance (40.3-95.9%), passive elastic energy storage (47.5-161.3%), and isometric (38.1-40.6%) and eccentric (46.7-67.0%) peak plantarflexor torques were detected in both trained and contralateral limbs in the experimental group. Significant increases in gastrocnemius medialis and soleus thickness (5.4-6.1%), gastrocnemius medialis fascicle length (7.6 ± 8.5%), passive plantarflexor MTU stiffness (30.1 ± 35.5%), and Achilles tendon stiffness (5.3 ± 4.9%) were observed in the trained limb only. Significant correlations were detected between the changes in trained and contralateral limbs for dorsiflexion ROM ( r = 0.59) and both isometric ( r = 0.79) and eccentric ( r = 0.73) peak torques. No significant changes in any metric were detected in the control group. CONCLUSIONS Large ROM increases in the trained limb were associated with neurological, mechanical, and structural adaptations, with evidence of a cross-education effect in the contralateral limb being primarily driven by neurological adaptation (stretch tolerance). The large improvements in ROM, muscle size, and strength confirm that isokinetic eccentric training is a highly effective training tool, with potential for use in athletic and clinical populations where MTU function is impaired and current therapies are ineffective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony D Kay
- Centre for Physical Activity and Life Sciences, Faculty of Art, Science and Technology, University of Northampton, Northamptonshire, UNITED KINGDOM
| | - Anthony J Blazevich
- Centre for Human Performance (CHP), School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, AUSTRALIA
| | - Jessica C Tysoe
- Centre for Physical Activity and Life Sciences, Faculty of Art, Science and Technology, University of Northampton, Northamptonshire, UNITED KINGDOM
| | - Brett A Baxter
- Centre for Physical Activity and Life Sciences, Faculty of Art, Science and Technology, University of Northampton, Northamptonshire, UNITED KINGDOM
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Stretching Training Rehabilitation Has Potential to Alleviate Ankylosing Spondylitis in Mice by Inactivating the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:3932504. [PMID: 36245839 PMCID: PMC9568344 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3932504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by invasion of the joints of the central axis that involves soft tissues and joints surrounding the spine. Stretching training rehabilitation (STR) has been widely applied for the treatment of AS. The Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway is closely related to AS. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effect of STR on AS both in vitro and in vivo. Male DBA/1 mice were employed to establish an AS animal model. Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that STR reversed pathological damages in bone tissues and the total antioxidant capacity of AS mice and increased the antioxidant capacity by upregulating superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde expression in DBA/1 mice. The MTT, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting results further indicated that STR improved the survival rate of cells by downregulating the expression of target genes in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and by inhibiting cell inflammation and apoptosis. In conclusion, our findings indicated that STR treatment might be an effective therapeutical strategy for AS.
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Yu S, Lin L, Liang H, Lin M, Deng W, Zhan X, Fu X, Liu C. Gender difference in effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching on flexibility and stiffness of hamstring muscle. Front Physiol 2022; 13:918176. [PMID: 35941935 PMCID: PMC9355829 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.918176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study investigated the acute effects of PNF stretching on hamstring flexibility and muscle stiffness of lower limbs between genders. Methods: 15 male and 15 female university students without any injury histories on lower limbs in the past 3 months were included in this study were selected. All subjects were measured by MyotonPRO before and after stretching to determine the muscle stiffness of the biceps femoris muscle (BF), semitendinosus muscle (ST) of the hamstring and the medial gastrocnemius muscles (MG), lateral gastrocnemius muscles (LG), and the soleus (SOL) of the triceps surae muscles. Additionally, their flexibility was measured using the sit-and-reach test (the SR test) and passive hip range of motion (ROM). Differences based on time (pre-stretching vs. post-stretching) and sex (females vs. males) were assessed using 2 × 2 repeated measures AVONA. Results: There was a significant decrease in the stiffness of the hamstring and triceps surae muscles after stretching (BF, MG, LG, and SOL: p < 0.001; ST: p = 0.003). The muscle stiffness of the hamstring and triceps surae muscles is larger in males than in females at all time points (p < 0.001). There was a significant increase in hip flexion angle and the SR test in males and females after PNF stretching (p < 0.001); However, there was no difference in the change in the muscle stiffness and the flexibility between genders (p > 0.05). Conclusion: PNF stretching helped improve hamstring flexibility and decrease muscle stiffness. Stretching the hamstrings can also contribute to a decrease in the stiffness of the triceps surae muscles. The muscle stiffness of males before and after stretching is always greater than that of females. However, there was no difference in the change of improvement in stretching between genders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suiqing Yu
- Clinical College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lihua Lin
- Clinical College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongying Liang
- Clinical College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ming Lin
- Clinical College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weixin Deng
- Clinical College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinshu Zhan
- Guangdong Industrial Injury Rehabilitation Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xihua Fu
- Department of Infectious Diseases Unit, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xihua Fu, ; Chunlong Liu,
| | - Chunlong Liu
- Clinical College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xihua Fu, ; Chunlong Liu,
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Fukaya T, Konrad A, Sato S, Kiyono R, Yahata K, Yasaka K, Onuma R, Yoshida R, Nakamura M. Comparison Between Contract-Relax Stretching and Antagonist Contract-Relax Stretching on Gastrocnemius Medialis Passive Properties. Front Physiol 2022; 12:764792. [PMID: 35185595 PMCID: PMC8854798 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.764792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Antagonist contract-relax stretching and contract-relax stretching is commonly used in sports practice and rehabilitation settings. To date, no study has compared these modalities regarding muscle stiffness and stretch tolerance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of contract-relax and antagonist contract-relax stretching on dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), stretch tolerance, and shear elastic modulus. Forty healthy participants (24 men and 16 women) took part in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to perform either contract-relax stretching or antagonist contract-relax stretching for 2 min. Outcomes were assessed on ROM, stretch tolerance, and shear elastic modulus before and after stretching. The ROM and stretch tolerance significantly increased after both contract-relax stretching (+ 5.4 ± 5.8°, p < 0.05; + 3.5 ± 8.0 Nm, p < 0.05) and antagonist contract-relax stretching (+ 6.1 ± 4.9°, p < 0.05; + 4.2 ± 6.4 Nm, p < 0.05); however, no significant difference was found between the two groups. Alternatively, the shear elastic modulus significantly decreased after both contract-relax (-31.1 ± 22.6 kPa, p < 0.05) and antagonist contract-relax stretching (-11.1 ± 22.3 kPa, p < 0.05); however, contract-relax stretching (-41.9 ± 19.6%) was more effective than antagonist contract-relax stretching (-12.5 ± 61.6%). The results of this study suggest that contract-relax stretching instead of antagonist contract-relax stretching should be conducted to decrease muscle stiffness. However, either contract-relax or antagonist contract-relax stretching can increase ROM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taizan Fukaya
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan,Department of Rehabilitation, Kyoto Kujo Hospital, Kyoto, Japan,*Correspondence: Taizan Fukaya,
| | - Andreas Konrad
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, Graz University, Graz, Austria
| | - Shigeru Sato
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Kiyono
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kaoru Yahata
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Koki Yasaka
- Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Remi Onuma
- Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Riku Yoshida
- Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Nakamura
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan,Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan,Masatoshi Nakamura,
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Fukaya T, Konrad A, Sato S, Kiyono R, Yahata K, Yasaka K, Onuma R, Yoshida R, Nakamura M. Comparison Between Contract-Relax Stretching and Antagonist Contract-Relax Stretching on Gastrocnemius Medialis Passive Properties. Front Physiol 2021. [PMID: 35185595 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.656579/full] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Antagonist contract-relax stretching and contract-relax stretching is commonly used in sports practice and rehabilitation settings. To date, no study has compared these modalities regarding muscle stiffness and stretch tolerance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of contract-relax and antagonist contract-relax stretching on dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), stretch tolerance, and shear elastic modulus. Forty healthy participants (24 men and 16 women) took part in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to perform either contract-relax stretching or antagonist contract-relax stretching for 2 min. Outcomes were assessed on ROM, stretch tolerance, and shear elastic modulus before and after stretching. The ROM and stretch tolerance significantly increased after both contract-relax stretching (+ 5.4 ± 5.8°, p < 0.05; + 3.5 ± 8.0 Nm, p < 0.05) and antagonist contract-relax stretching (+ 6.1 ± 4.9°, p < 0.05; + 4.2 ± 6.4 Nm, p < 0.05); however, no significant difference was found between the two groups. Alternatively, the shear elastic modulus significantly decreased after both contract-relax (-31.1 ± 22.6 kPa, p < 0.05) and antagonist contract-relax stretching (-11.1 ± 22.3 kPa, p < 0.05); however, contract-relax stretching (-41.9 ± 19.6%) was more effective than antagonist contract-relax stretching (-12.5 ± 61.6%). The results of this study suggest that contract-relax stretching instead of antagonist contract-relax stretching should be conducted to decrease muscle stiffness. However, either contract-relax or antagonist contract-relax stretching can increase ROM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taizan Fukaya
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kyoto Kujo Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Andreas Konrad
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, Graz University, Graz, Austria
| | - Shigeru Sato
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Kiyono
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kaoru Yahata
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Koki Yasaka
- Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Remi Onuma
- Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Riku Yoshida
- Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Nakamura
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
- Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
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Kay AD, Dixon J, Bligh LD, Blazevich AJ. The external validity of a novel contract-relax stretching technique on knee flexor range of motion. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2019; 30:74-82. [PMID: 31544279 PMCID: PMC6916286 DOI: 10.1111/sms.13554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Compromised joint range of motion (ROM) can negatively affect the capacity to perform activities of daily living in clinical populations. Recently, similar improvements in dorsiflexion ROM were reported following dynamometry‐based contract‐relax (CR) stretching and modified CR stretching technique (stretch‐return‐contract [SRC]) where the contraction phase was performed “off stretch.” As neither the impact of SRC on other muscle groups nor the ecological validity of SRC performed in an applied environment has been tested, the acute effects of both techniques in dynamometry‐ (CRdyna and SRCdyna) and field‐based (CRfield and SRCfield) environments were compared with the hamstring muscle group. Methods Seventeen participants performed each of the four stretching conditions on separate days in a randomized order. Before and after the stretches, knee extension ROM and passive knee flexor moment were recorded on an isokinetic dynamometer. Results Significant (P < .01) increases in knee extension ROM (4.6‐5.2°) and elastic potential energy storage (12.0%‐23.6%) and decreases in the slope of the passive moment‐angle relation (8.9%‐12.2%) occurred in all conditions. Significant increases in peak passive joint moment were observed after field‐ (14.3%‐14.8%) but not dynamometry‐based (4.6%‐6.6%) stretches. No difference (P > .05) in any measure was found between conditions. Conclusions These data confirm the acute efficacy of the SRC technique in the hamstring muscle group and demonstrate its ecological validity in an applied environment in healthy participants. As the field‐based SRC technique was performed without partner assistance, when compared with classical PNF it represents an equally effective and practical stretching paradigm to support athletic and clinical exercise prescription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony D Kay
- Centre for Physical Activity and Life Sciences, University of Northampton, Northampton, UK
| | - Joshua Dixon
- Centre for Physical Activity and Life Sciences, University of Northampton, Northampton, UK
| | - Liam D Bligh
- Centre for Physical Activity and Life Sciences, University of Northampton, Northampton, UK
| | - Anthony J Blazevich
- Centre for Exercise and Sports Science Research (CESSR), School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
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