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Warneke K, Lohmann LH. Revisiting the stretch-induced force deficit: A systematic review with multilevel meta-analysis of acute effects. JOURNAL OF SPORT AND HEALTH SCIENCE 2024:S2095-2546(24)00069-3. [PMID: 38735533 DOI: 10.1016/j.jshs.2024.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND When recommending avoidance of static stretching prior to athletic performance, authors and practitioners commonly refer to available systematic reviews. However, effect sizes (ES) in previous reviews were extracted in major part from studies lacking control conditions and/or pre-post testing designs. Also, currently available reviews conducted calculations without accounting for multiple study outcomes, with ES: -0.03 to 0.10, which would commonly be classified as trivial. METHODS Since new meta-analytical software and controlled research articles have appeared since 2013, we revisited the available literature and performed a multilevel meta-analysis using robust variance estimation of controlled pre-post trials to provide updated evidence. Furthermore, previous research described reduced electromyography activity-also attributable to fatiguing training routines-as being responsible for decreased subsequent performance. The second part of this study opposed stretching and alternative interventions sufficient to induce general fatigue to examine whether static stretching induces higher performance losses compared to other exercise routines. RESULTS Including 83 studies with more than 400 ES from 2012 participants, our results indicate a significant, small ES for a static stretch-induced maximal strength loss (ES = -0.21, p = 0.003), with high magnitude ES (ES = -0.84, p = 0.004) for stretching durations ≥60 s per bout when compared to passive controls. When opposed to active controls, the maximal strength loss ranges between ES: -0.17 to -0.28, p < 0.001 and 0.040 with mostly no to small heterogeneity. However, stretching did not negatively influence athletic performance in general (when compared to both passive and active controls); in fact, a positive effect on subsequent jumping performance (ES = 0.15, p = 0.006) was found in adults. CONCLUSION Regarding strength testing of isolated muscles (e.g., leg extensions or calf raises), our results confirm previous findings. Nevertheless, since no (or even positive) effects could be found for athletic performance, our results do not support previous recommendations to exclude static stretching from warm-up routines prior to, for example, jumping or sprinting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Warneke
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, Graz A-8010, Austria; Institute of Sport Science, Alpen-Adria University of Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt am Wörthersee 9020, Austria.
| | - Lars Hubertus Lohmann
- Institute of Human Movement and Exercise Physiology, University of Jena, Jena 07749, Germany
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Abd El-Kafy EM, Alayat MS, Alwhaibi RM, Basuodan RM. Spiral strapping for improving upper extremity motor functions in individuals with stroke: A randomized controlled trial. Prosthet Orthot Int 2024:00006479-990000000-00208. [PMID: 38170804 DOI: 10.1097/pxr.0000000000000325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rehabilitation process for the upper extremities of individuals with stroke requires therapists to use splints for supportive and corrective purposes. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of spiral strapping in inhibiting spasticity and improving the upper extremity motor functions of individuals with chronic stroke. METHODS Forty Saudi individuals aged 50-60 years with chronic stroke participated in this study. Their degrees of spasticity according to the Modified Ashworth Scale ranged across grades 1, 1+, and 2. Participants were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Participants in both groups received 1 h of conventional physical therapy for 3 d/wk to improve the motor functions of their upper extremities. In addition, participants in the experimental group wore an upper-limb spiral strapping with a hand splint 10 h/d for 6 d/wk. The treatment program for both groups was delivered for 4 weeks. Changes in the scores of Action Research Arm Test for elbow joint spasticity, active range of motion of the shoulder, elbow, and forearm joints, and hand grip strength were evaluated before and after treatment in both groups. RESULTS Significant improvements in all measured variables after treatment were reported in both groups, except for elbow joint spasticity in the control group. The experimental group showed significant post-treatment improvement in the scores for all measured variables compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS Spiral strapping was beneficial in inhibiting mild degrees of spasticity and improving the motor functions of the upper extremities of stroke patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehab Mohamed Abd El-Kafy
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pediatric Physical Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamad Salaheldien Alayat
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Reem M Alwhaibi
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem M Basuodan
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Zhang H, Meng L, Yang Z. Biomechanical mechanism driving typical postural shifts of lower limbs during sleeping in an aircraft seat. Eur J Appl Physiol 2023; 123:2023-2039. [PMID: 37147512 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-023-05220-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the biomechanical mechanisms driving passengers' lower-limb postural shifts during seated sleep on a flight to prevent negative effects on passengers' physical health. Twenty subjects participated in an observational study and a subsequent experiment on fatigue development and tissue oxygenation changes during seated sleep in an economy-class aircraft seat. Three of the most frequently used postures, which involved four targeted muscles of the legs and the thigh-buttock region, were selected and examined in the experiment with the following measures: muscle electromyogram, tissue oxygenation, and body contact pressure distribution. The results showed that the fatigue of the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius and the compression of the region under the medial tuberosities were relieved by alternations among the three positions-position 1 (placing the shanks forwards), position 2 (placing the shanks neutrally), and position 3 (placing the shanks backwards). This research reveals the mechanical properties of the biomechanical factors functioning in lower-limb postural shifts during seated sleep and provides design optimization strategies for economy-class aircraft seats to reduce the negative effects on passenger health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huizhong Zhang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lei Meng
- College of Art, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, China.
| | - Zhi Yang
- Department of Science and Technology, Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, Beijing, China
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Anvar SH, Granacher U, Konrad A, Alizadeh S, Culleton R, Edwards C, Goudini R, Behm DG. Corticospinal excitability and reflex modulation in a contralateral non-stretched muscle following unilateral stretching. Eur J Appl Physiol 2023; 123:1837-1850. [PMID: 37072505 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-023-05200-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Muscle stretching effect on the range of motion (ROM) and force deficit in non-stretched muscle, and the underlying mechanisms, is an ongoing issue. This study aimed to investigate crossover stretching effects and mechanisms on the plantar flexor muscles. METHODS Fourteen recreationally active females (n = 5) and males (n = 9) performed six sets of 45-s static stretching (SS) (15-s recovery) to the point of discomfort of the dominant leg (DL) plantar flexors or control (345-s rest). Participants were tested for a single 5-s pre- and post-test maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) with each plantar flexor muscle and were tested for DL and non-DL ROM. They were tested pre- and post-test (immediate, 10-s, 30-s) for the Hoffman (H)-reflex and motor-evoked potentials (MEP) from transcranial magnetic stimulation in the contralateral, non-stretched muscle. RESULTS Both the DL and non-DL-MVIC force had large magnitude, significant (↓10.87%, p = 0.027, pƞ2 = 0.4) and non-significant (↓9.53%, p = 0.15, pƞ2 = 0.19) decreases respectively with SS. The SS also significantly improved the DL (6.5%, p < 0.001) and non-DL (5.35%, p = 0.002) ROM. The non-DL MEP/MMax and HMax/MMax ratio did not change significantly. CONCLUSION Prolonged static stretching improved the stretched muscle's ROM. However, the stretched limb's force was negatively affected following the stretching protocol. The ROM improvement and large magnitude force impairment (statistically non-significant) were transferred to the contralateral muscles. The lack of significant changes in spinal and corticospinal excitability confirms that the afferent excitability of the spinal motoneurons and corticospinal excitability may not play a substantial role in non-local muscle's ROM or force output responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saman Hadjizadeh Anvar
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Urs Granacher
- Department of Sport and Sport Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Konrad
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1C 5S7, Canada
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, Graz University, Graz, Austria
| | - Shahab Alizadeh
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Robyn Culleton
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Chris Edwards
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Reza Goudini
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - David G Behm
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1C 5S7, Canada.
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A cognitive task, deep breathing, and static stretching reduce variability of motor evoked potentials during subsequent transcranial magnetic stimulation. Brain Res 2023; 1798:148151. [PMID: 36343727 PMCID: PMC9829447 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.148151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) induced via transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) demonstrate trial-to-trial variability limiting detection and interpretation of changes in corticomotor excitability. This study examined whether performing a cognitive task, voluntary breathing, or static stretching before TMS could reduce MEP variability. METHODS 20 healthy young adults performed no-task, a cognitive task (Stroop test), deep breathing, and static stretching before TMS in a randomized order. MEPs were collected in the non-dominant tibialis anterior muscle at 130% active motor threshold. Variability of MEP amplitude was quantified as coefficient of variation (CV). RESULTS MEP CV was greater after no-task (25.4 ± 7.0) than after cognitive task (23.3 ± 7.2; p < 0.05), deep breathing (20.1 ± 6.3; p < 0.001), and static stretching (20.9 ± 6.0; p = 0.004). MEP CV was greater after cognitive task than after deep breathing (p = 0.007) and static stretching (p = 0.01). There was no effect of condition on MEP amplitude. CONCLUSIONS Performing brief cognitive, voluntary breathing, and stretching tasks before TMS can reduce MEP variability with no effect on MEP amplitude in the tibialis anterior of healthy, young adults. Similar tasks could be incorporated into research and clinical settings to improve detection of changes, normative data, and clinical predictions.
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CORATELLA GIUSEPPE, CÈ EMILIANO, DORIA CHRISTIAN, BORRELLI MARTA, LONGO STEFANO, ESPOSITO FABIO. Neuromuscular Correlates of the Contralateral Stretch-induced Strength Loss. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2021; 53:2066-2075. [PMID: 33831897 PMCID: PMC10097483 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000002677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The current study investigated the effects of unilateral passive stretching on the neuromuscular mechanisms involved in the force-generating capacity of the contralateral muscle. METHODS Twenty-six healthy men underwent unilateral passive stretching of the plantarflexors (5 × 45 s on + 15 s off; total stretching time, 225 s). Before and after the stretching protocol, contralateral ankle range of motion, maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) of the plantarflexors, and surface electromyographic root-mean-square (sEMG RMS) of the soleus and the gastrocnemii muscles were determined. Concurrently, V-wave, maximum and superimposed H-reflex, and M-wave were elicited via nerve stimulation to estimate the supraspinal, spinal, and peripheral mechanisms, respectively. sEMG RMS, V-wave, and H-reflex were normalized to the M-wave. RESULTS After passive stretching, contralateral ankle range of motion was increased (+8% [1%/15%], effect size [ES] = 0.43 [0.02/0.84], P < 0.001), MVC of the plantarflexors was decreased (-9% [-21%/-2%], ES = -0.96 [-1.53/-0.38], P < 0.001), and the sEMG RMS/M-wave of the soleus and the gastrocnemii muscles was decreased (≈-9%, ES ≈ -0.33, P < 0.05). Concurrently, the V-wave/M-wave superimposed was decreased in all muscles (≈-13%, ES = -0.81 to -0.52, P < 0.05). No change in H-reflex/M-wave and M-wave was observed under both maximum and superimposed condition. The decrease in the MVC and the sEMG RMS of the contralateral muscle was accompanied by a decrease in the V-wave/M-wave but not the H-reflex/M-wave ratios and the M-wave. CONCLUSIONS The present outcomes suggest that only supraspinal mechanisms might be involved in the contralateral decrease in the maximum force-generating capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- GIUSEPPE CORATELLA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health (SCIBIS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, ITALY
| | - EMILIANO CÈ
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health (SCIBIS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, ITALY
- IRCSS Galeazzi Orthopedic Institute, Milan, ITALY
| | - CHRISTIAN DORIA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health (SCIBIS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, ITALY
| | - MARTA BORRELLI
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health (SCIBIS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, ITALY
| | - STEFANO LONGO
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health (SCIBIS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, ITALY
| | - FABIO ESPOSITO
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health (SCIBIS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, ITALY
- IRCSS Galeazzi Orthopedic Institute, Milan, ITALY
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Coratella G, Longo S, Rampichini S, Doria C, Borrelli M, Limonta E, Michielon G, Cè E, Esposito F. Passive stretching decreases muscle efficiency in balance tasks. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256656. [PMID: 34550984 PMCID: PMC8457459 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The current study aimed to verify whether or not passive static stretching affects balance control capacity. Thirty-eight participants (19 women and 19 men) underwent a passive static stretching session, involving the knee extensor/flexor and dorsi/plantarflexor muscles, and a control session (no stretching, CTRL). Before (PRE), immediately after (POST), after 15 (POST15) and 30 min (POST30) from stretching (or rest in CTRL), balance control was evaluated under static and dynamic conditions, with open/closed eyes, and with/without somatosensory perturbation (foam under the feet). During tests, centre of pressure (CoP) sway area and perimeter and antero-posterior and medio-lateral sway mean speed were computed. Surface electromyography root mean square (sEMG RMS) was calculated from the vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, gastrocnemius medialis, and tibialis anterior muscles during MVC and during the balance tests. Hip flexion/extension and dorsi/plantarflexion range of motion (ROM), maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and sEMG RMS during MVC were measured at the same time points. After stretching, ROM increased (≈6.5%; P<0.05), while MVC and sEMG RMS decreased (≈9% and ≈7.5%, respectively; P<0.05). Regardless of the testing condition, CoP sway area and the perimeter remained similar, while antero-posterior and medio-lateral sway mean speed decreased by ≈8% and ≈12%, respectively (P<0.05). sEMG RMS during the balance tests increased in all muscles in POST (≈7%, P<0.05). All variables recovered in POST30. No changes occurred in CTRL. Passive static stretching did not affect the overall balance control ability. However, greater muscle activation was required to maintain similar CoP sway, thus suggesting a decrease in muscle efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Coratella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health (SCIBIS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Longo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health (SCIBIS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Susanna Rampichini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health (SCIBIS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Christian Doria
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health (SCIBIS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Borrelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health (SCIBIS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Eloisa Limonta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health (SCIBIS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,IRCCS Galeazzi Orthopedic Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Michielon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health (SCIBIS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Emiliano Cè
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health (SCIBIS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,IRCCS Galeazzi Orthopedic Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Esposito
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health (SCIBIS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,IRCCS Galeazzi Orthopedic Institute, Milan, Italy
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Trajano GS, Blazevich AJ. Static Stretching Reduces Motoneuron Excitability: The Potential Role of Neuromodulation. Exerc Sport Sci Rev 2021; 49:126-132. [PMID: 33720914 PMCID: PMC7967995 DOI: 10.1249/jes.0000000000000243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged static muscle stretching transiently reduces maximal muscle force, and this force loss has a strong neural component. In this review, we discuss the evidence suggesting that stretching reduces the motoneuron's ability to amplify excitatory drive. We propose a hypothetical model in which stretching causes physiological relaxation, reducing the brainstem-derived neuromodulatory drive necessary to maximize motoneuron discharge rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel S Trajano
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane
| | - Anthony J Blazevich
- Centre for Exercise and Sports Science Research, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia
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9
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Cè E, Coratella G, Doria C, Rampichini S, Borrelli M, Longo S, Esposito F. No effect of passive stretching on neuromuscular function and maximum force-generating capacity in the antagonist muscle. Eur J Appl Physiol 2021; 121:1955-1965. [PMID: 33770238 PMCID: PMC8192325 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-021-04646-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The present study investigated whether or not passive stretching increases the force-generating capacity of the antagonist muscle, and the possible neuromuscular mechanisms behind. Methods To this purpose, the neuromuscular function accompanying the force-generating capacity was assessed in 26 healthy male volunteers after passive stretching and in a control session. Before and after passive intermittent static stretching of the plantar flexors consisting of five sets × 45 s + 15 s-rest, maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) and surface electromyographic root mean square (sEMG RMS) were measured in the tibialis anterior (the antagonist muscle). Additionally, evoked V wave, H-reflex, and M wave were elicited by nerve stimulation at rest and during MVC. Ankle range of motion (ROM) and plantar flexors MVC and EMG RMS were measured to check for the effectiveness of the stretching manoeuvre. Results No change in MVC [p = 0.670; effect size (ES) − 0.03] and sEMG RMS/M wave during MVC (p = 0.231; ES − 0.09) was observed in the antagonist muscle after passive stretching. Similarly, no change in V wave (p = 0.531; ES 0.16), H-reflex at rest and during MVC (p = 0.656 and 0.597; ES 0.11 and 0.23, respectively) and M wave at rest and during MVC (p = 0.355 and 0.554; ES 0.04 and 0.01, respectively) was observed. An increase in ankle ROM (p < 0.001; ES 0.55) and a decrease in plantar flexors MVC (p < 0.001; ES − 1.05) and EMG RMS (p < 0.05; ES − 1.72 to − 0.13 in all muscles) indicated the effectiveness of stretching protocol. Conclusion No change in the force-generating capacity and neuromuscular function of the antagonist muscle after passive stretching was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiliano Cè
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Giuseppe Colombo 71, 20133, Milano, Italy
- IRCSS Galeazzi Orthopaedic Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Coratella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Giuseppe Colombo 71, 20133, Milano, Italy.
| | - Christian Doria
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Giuseppe Colombo 71, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Susanna Rampichini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Giuseppe Colombo 71, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Marta Borrelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Giuseppe Colombo 71, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Stefano Longo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Giuseppe Colombo 71, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Fabio Esposito
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Giuseppe Colombo 71, 20133, Milano, Italy
- IRCSS Galeazzi Orthopaedic Institute, Milano, Italy
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10
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Pulverenti TS, Trajano GS, Kirk BJC, Bochkezanian V, Blazevich AJ. Plantar flexor muscle stretching depresses the soleus late response but not tendon tap reflexes. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 53:3185-3198. [PMID: 33675055 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in muscle spindle sensitivity with early and late soleus reflex responses via tendon taps and transcranial magnetic stimulation, respectively, after an acute bout of prolonged static plantar flexor muscle stretching. Seventeen healthy males were tested before and after 5 min (5 × 60-s stretches) of passive static stretching of the plantar flexor muscles. Maximal voluntary isometric torque and M wave-normalized triceps surae muscle surface electromyographic activity were recorded. Both soleus tendon reflexes, evoked by percussion of the Achilles tendon during rest and transcranial magnetic stimulation-evoked soleus late responses during submaximal isometric dorsiflexion were also quantified. Significant decreases in maximal voluntary isometric plantar flexion torque (-19.2 ± 13.6%, p = .002) and soleus electromyographic activity (-20.1 ± 11.4%, p < .001) were observed immediately after stretching, and these changes were highly correlated (r = 0.76, p < .001). No changes were observed in tendon reflex amplitude or latency or peak muscle twitch torque (p > .05). Significant reductions in soleus late response amplitudes (-46.9 ± 36.0%, p = .002) were detected, although these changes were not correlated with changes in maximal electromyographic activity, torque or tendon reflex amplitudes. No changes in soleus late response latency were detected. In conclusion, impaired neural drive was implicated in the stretch-induced force loss; however, no evidence was found that this loss was related to changes in muscle spindle sensitivity. We hypothesize that the decrease in soleus late response indicates a stretch-induced reduction in a polysynaptic postural reflex rather than spindle reflex sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy S Pulverenti
- Centre for Exercise and Sports Science Research (CESSR), School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia.,Department of Physical Therapy, College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Gabriel S Trajano
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Benjamin J C Kirk
- Centre for Exercise and Sports Science Research (CESSR), School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Vanesa Bochkezanian
- Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Qld, Australia
| | - 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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11
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Behm DG, Alizadeh S, Drury B, Granacher U, Moran J. Non-local acute stretching effects on strength performance in healthy young adults. Eur J Appl Physiol 2021; 121:1517-1529. [PMID: 33715049 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-021-04657-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Static stretching (SS) can impair performance and increase range of motion of a non-exercised or non-stretched muscle, respectively. An underdeveloped research area is the effect of unilateral stretching on non-local force output. OBJECTIVE The objective of this review was to describe the effects of unilateral SS on contralateral, non-stretched, muscle force and identify gaps in the literature. METHODS A systematic literature search following preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analyses Protocols guidelines was performed according to prescribed inclusion and exclusion criteria. Weighted means and ranges highlighted the non-local force output response to unilateral stretching. The physiotherapy evidence database scale was used to assess study risk of bias and methodological quality. RESULTS Unilateral stretching protocols from six studies involved 6.3 ± 2 repetitions of 36.3 ± 7.4 s with 19.3 ± 5.7 s recovery between stretches. The mean stretch-induced force deficits exhibited small magnitude effect sizes for both the stretched (-6.7 ± 7.1%, d = -0.35: 0.01 to -1.8) and contralateral, non-stretched, muscles (-4.0 ± 4.9%, d = , 0.22: 0.08 to 1.1). Control measures exhibited trivial deficits. CONCLUSION The limited literature examining non-local effects of prolonged SS revealed that both the stretched and contralateral, non-stretched, limbs of young adults demonstrate small magnitude force deficits. However, the frequency of studies with these effects were similar with three measures demonstrating deficits, and four measures showing trivial changes. These results highlight the possible global (non-local) effects of prolonged SS. Further research should investigate effects of lower intensity stretching, upper versus lower body stretching, different age groups, incorporate full warm-ups, and identify predominant mechanisms among others.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G Behm
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's,, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
| | - Shahab Alizadeh
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's,, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Ben Drury
- Department of Applied Sport Sciences, Hartpury University, Gloucester, UK
| | - Urs Granacher
- Division of Training and Movement Science, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Jason Moran
- School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Essex, UK
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Behm DG, Alizadeh S, Anvar SH, Drury B, Granacher U, Moran J. Non-local Acute Passive Stretching Effects on Range of Motion in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis. Sports Med 2021; 51:945-959. [PMID: 33459990 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-020-01422-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stretching a muscle not only increases the extensibility or range of motion (ROM) of the stretched muscle or joint but there is growing evidence of increased ROM of contralateral and other non-local muscles and joints. OBJECTIVE The objective of this meta-analysis was to quantify crossover or non-local changes in passive ROM following an acute bout of unilateral stretching and to examine potential dose-response relations. METHODS Eleven studies involving 14 independent measures met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis included moderating variables such as sex, trained state, stretching intensity and duration. RESULTS The analysis revealed that unilateral passive static stretching induced moderate magnitude (standard mean difference within studies: SMD: 0.86) increases in passive ROM with non-local, non-stretched joints. Moderating variables such as sex, trained state, stretching intensity, and duration did not moderate the results. Although stretching duration did not present statistically significant differences, greater than 240-s of stretching (SMD: 1.24) exhibited large magnitude increases in non-local ROM compared to moderate magnitude improvements with shorter (< 120-s: SMD: 0.72) durations of stretching. CONCLUSION Passive static stretching of one muscle group can induce moderate magnitude, global increases in ROM. Stretching durations greater than 240 s may have larger effects compared with shorter stretching durations.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G Behm
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada.
| | - Shahab Alizadeh
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Saman Hadjizadeh Anvar
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada.,Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ben Drury
- Department of Applied Sport Sciences, Hartpury University, Hartpury, UK
| | - Urs Granacher
- Division of Training and Movement Science, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Jason Moran
- School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Essex, UK.
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Harmsen JF, Latella C, Mesquita R, Fasse A, Schumann M, Behringer M, Taylor J, Nosaka K. H-reflex and M-wave responses after voluntary and electrically evoked muscle cramping. Eur J Appl Physiol 2020; 121:659-672. [PMID: 33245422 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-020-04560-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite the widespread occurrence of muscle cramps, their underlying neurophysiological mechanisms remain unknown. To better understand the etiology of muscle cramps, this study investigated acute effects of muscle cramping induced by maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on the amplitude of Hoffmann reflexes (H-reflex) and compound muscle action potentials (M-wave). METHODS Healthy men (n = 14) and women (n = 3) participated in two identical sessions separated by 7 days. Calf muscle cramping was induced by performing MVIC of the plantar flexors in a prone position followed by 2.5-s NMES over the plantar flexors with increasing frequency and intensity. H-reflexes and M-waves evoked by tibial nerve stimulation in gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and soleus were recorded at baseline, and after MVIC-induced cramps and the NMES protocol. RESULTS Six participants cramped after MVIC, and H-reflex amplitude decreased in GM and soleus in Session 1 (- 33 ± 32%, - 34 ± 33%, p = 0.031) with a similar trend in Session 2 (5 cramped, p = 0.063), whereas the maximum M-wave was unchanged. After NMES, 11 (Session 1) and 9 (Session 2) participants cramped. H-reflex and M-wave recruitment curves shifted to the left in both sessions and muscles after NMES independent of cramping (p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSION Changes in H-reflexes after a muscle cramp induced by MVIC and NMES were inconsistent. While MVIC-induced muscle cramps reduced H-reflex amplitude, muscle stretch to end cramping was a potential contributing factor. By contrast, NMES may potentiate H-reflexes and obscure cramp-related changes. Thus, the challenge for future studies is to separate the neural consequences of cramping from methodology-based effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Frieder Harmsen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Sports Medicine, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933, Cologne, Germany.
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Christopher Latella
- Center for Exercise and Sports Science Research, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Neurophysiology Research Laboratory, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Ricardo Mesquita
- Center for Exercise and Sports Science Research, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | | | - Moritz Schumann
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Sports Medicine, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael Behringer
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Janet Taylor
- Center for Exercise and Sports Science Research, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Neurophysiology Research Laboratory, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Kazunori Nosaka
- Center for Exercise and Sports Science Research, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
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14
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Mechanisms underlying performance impairments following prolonged static stretching without a comprehensive warm-up. Eur J Appl Physiol 2020; 121:67-94. [PMID: 33175242 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-020-04538-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Whereas a variety of pre-exercise activities have been incorporated as part of a "warm-up" prior to work, combat, and athletic activities for millennia, the inclusion of static stretching (SS) within a warm-up has lost favor in the last 25 years. Research emphasized the possibility of SS-induced impairments in subsequent performance following prolonged stretching without proper dynamic warm-up activities. Proposed mechanisms underlying stretch-induced deficits include both neural (i.e., decreased voluntary activation, persistent inward current effects on motoneuron excitability) and morphological (i.e., changes in the force-length relationship, decreased Ca2+ sensitivity, alterations in parallel elastic component) factors. Psychological influences such as a mental energy deficit and nocebo effects could also adversely affect performance. However, significant practical limitations exist within published studies, e.g., long-stretching durations, stretching exercises with little task specificity, lack of warm-up before/after stretching, testing performed immediately after stretch completion, and risk of investigator and participant bias. Recent research indicates that appropriate durations of static stretching performed within a full warm-up (i.e., aerobic activities before and task-specific dynamic stretching and intense physical activities after SS) have trivial effects on subsequent performance with some evidence of improved force output at longer muscle lengths. For conditions in which muscular force production is compromised by stretching, knowledge of the underlying mechanisms would aid development of mitigation strategies. However, these mechanisms are yet to be perfectly defined. More information is needed to better understand both the warm-up components and mechanisms that contribute to performance enhancements or impairments when SS is incorporated within a pre-activity warm-up.
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Trajano GS, Taylor JL, Orssatto LBR, McNulty CR, Blazevich AJ. Passive muscle stretching reduces estimates of persistent inward current strength in soleus motor units. J Exp Biol 2020; 223:jeb229922. [PMID: 32978317 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.229922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Prolonged (≥60 s) passive muscle stretching acutely reduces maximal force production at least partly through a suppression of efferent neural drive. The origin of this neural suppression has not been determined; however, some evidence suggests that reductions in the amplitude of persistent inward currents (PICs) in the motoneurons may be important. The aim of the present study was to determine whether acute passive (static) muscle stretching affects PIC strength in gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and soleus (SOL) motor units. We calculated the difference in instantaneous discharge rates at recruitment and de-recruitment (ΔF) for pairs of motor units in GM and SOL during triangular isometric plantar flexor contractions (20% maximum) both before and immediately after a 5 min control period and immediately after five 1 min passive plantar flexor stretches. After stretching, there was a significant reduction in SOL ΔF (-25.6%; 95% confidence interval, CI=-45.1% to -9.1%, P=0.002) but not GM ΔF These data suggest passive muscle stretching can reduce the intrinsic excitability, via PICs, of SOL motor units. These findings (1) suggest that PIC strength might be reduced after passive stretching, (2) are consistent with previously established post-stretch decreases in SOL but not GM EMG amplitude during contraction, and (3) indicate that reductions in PIC strength could underpin the stretch-induced force loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel S Trajano
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia
| | - Janet L Taylor
- Centre for Exercise and Sports Science Research, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Lucas B R Orssatto
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia
| | - Craig R McNulty
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia
| | - Anthony J Blazevich
- Centre for Exercise and Sports Science Research, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
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