1
|
Warneke K, Lohmann LH, Behm DG, Wirth K, Keiner M, Schiemann S, Wilke J. Effects of Chronic Static Stretching on Maximal Strength and Muscle Hypertrophy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with Meta-Regression. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2024; 10:45. [PMID: 38637473 PMCID: PMC11026323 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-024-00706-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increases in maximal strength and muscle volume represent central aims of training interventions. Recent research suggested that the chronic application of stretch may be effective in inducing hypertrophy. The present systematic review therefore aimed to syntheisize the evidence on changes of strength and muscle volume following chronic static stretching. METHODS Three data bases were sceened to conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis. Studies using randomized, controlled trials with longitudinal (≥ 2 weeks) design, investigating strength and muscle volume following static stretching in humans, were included. Study quality was rated by two examiners using the PEDro scale. RESULTS A total of 42 studies with 1318 cumulative participants were identified. Meta-analyses using robust variance estimation showed small stretch-mediated maximal strength increases (d = 0.30 p < 0.001) with stretching duration and intervention time as significant moderators. Including all studies, stretching induced small magnitude, but significant hypertrophy effects (d = 0.20). Longer stretching durations and intervention periods as well as higher training frequencies revealed small (d = 0.26-0.28), but significant effects (p < 0.001-0.005), while lower dosage did not reach the level of significance (p = 0.13-0.39). CONCLUSIONS While of minor effectiveness, chronic static stretching represents a possible alternative to resistance training when aiming to improve strength and increase muscle size. As a dose-response relationship may exist, higher stretch durations and frequencies as well as long program durations should be further elaborated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Warneke
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Department of Movement Sciences, University of Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Austria
| | - Lars Hubertus Lohmann
- Department of Human Motion Science and Exercise Physiology, Friedrich Schiller University, 07743, Jena, Germany.
| | - David G Behm
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Newfoundland and Labrador, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada
| | - Klaus Wirth
- University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
| | - Michael Keiner
- Department of Sport Science, German University of Health & Sport, Ismaning, Germany
| | - Stephan Schiemann
- Institute of Exercise, Sport and Health, Leuphana University, Lüneburg, Germany
| | - Jan Wilke
- Department of Movement Sciences, University of Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Takeuchi K, Nakamura M, Fukaya T, Konrad A, Mizuno T. Acute and Long-Term Effects of Static Stretching on Muscle-Tendon Unit Stiffness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Sports Sci Med 2023; 22:465-475. [PMID: 37711702 PMCID: PMC10499138 DOI: 10.52082/jssm.2023.465] [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] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Static stretching can increase the range of motion of a joint. Muscle-tendon unit stiffness (MTS) is potentially one of the main factors that influences the change in the range of motion after static stretching. However, to date, the effects of acute and long-term static stretching on MTS are not well understood. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of acute and long-term static stretching training on MTS, in young healthy participants. PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO published before January 6, 2023, were searched and finally, 17 papers were included in the meta-analysis. Main meta-analysis was performed with a random-effect model and subgroup analyses, which included comparisons of sex (male vs. mixed sex and female) and muscle (hamstrings vs. plantar flexors) were also performed. Furthermore, a meta-regression was conducted to examine the effect of total stretching duration on MTS. For acute static stretching, the result of the meta-analysis showed a moderate decrease in MTS (effect size = -0.772, Z = -2.374, 95% confidence interval = -1.409 - -0.325, p = 0.018, I2 = 79.098). For long-term static stretching, there is no significant change in MTS (effect size = -0.608, Z = -1.761, 95% CI = -1.284 - 0.069, p = 0.078, I2 = 83.061). Subgroup analyses revealed no significant differences between sex (long-term, p = 0.209) or muscle (acute, p =0.295; long-term, p = 0.427). Moreover, there was a significant relationship between total stretching duration and MTS in acute static stretching (p = 0.011, R2 = 0.28), but not in long-term stretching (p = 0.085, R2 < 0.01). Whilst MTS decreased after acute static stretching, only a tendency of a decrease was seen after long-term stretching.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Takeuchi
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe International University, Kobe-shi, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Nakamura
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Nishi Kyushu University, Kanzaki-cho, Saga, Japan
| | - Taizan Fukaya
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Social Work Studies, Josai International University, Togane-shi, Chiba, Japan
| | - Andreas Konrad
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, Graz University, Graz, Austria
| | - Takamasa Mizuno
- Research Center of Health, Physical Fitness and Sports, Nagoya University, Nagoya-shi, Aichi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Takeuchi K, Nakamura M, Konrad A, Mizuno T. Long-term static stretching can decrease muscle stiffness: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2023; 33:1294-1306. [PMID: 37231582 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Stretch training increases the range of motion of a joint. However, to date, the mechanisms behind such a stretching effect are not well understood. An earlier meta-analysis on several studies reported no changes in the passive properties of a muscle (i.e., muscle stiffness) following long-term stretch training with various types of stretching (static, dynamic, and proprioceptive neuromuscular stretching). However, in recent years, an increasing number of papers have reported the effects of long-term static stretching on muscle stiffness. The purpose of the present study was to examine the long-term (≥2 weeks) effect of static stretching training on muscle stiffness. PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO published before December 28, 2022, were searched and 10 papers met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. By applying a mixed-effect model, subgroup analyses, which included comparisons of sex (male vs. mixed sex) and type of muscle stiffness assessment (calculated from the muscle-tendon junction vs. shear modulus), were performed. Furthermore, a meta-regression was conducted to examine the effect of total stretching duration on muscle stiffness. The result of the meta-analysis showed a moderate decrease in muscle stiffness after 3-12 weeks of static stretch training compared to a control condition (effect size = -0.749, p < 0.001, I2 = 56.245). Subgroup analyses revealed no significant differences between sex (p = 0.131) and type of muscle stiffness assessment (p = 0.813). Moreover, there was no significant relationship between total stretching duration and muscle stiffness (p = 0.881).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Takeuchi
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe International University, Kobe-shi, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Nakamura
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Physical Therapy, Nishi Kyushu University, Kanzaki-cho, Japan
| | - Andreas Konrad
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, Graz University, Graz, Austria
| | - Takamasa Mizuno
- Research Center of Health, Physical Fitness and Sports, Nagoya University, Nagoya-shi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yahata K, Konrad A, Sato S, Kiyono R, Yoshida R, Fukaya T, Nunes JP, Nakamura M. Effects of a high-volume static stretching programme on plantar-flexor muscle strength and architecture. Eur J Appl Physiol 2021; 121:1159-1166. [PMID: 33502614 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-021-04608-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Static stretching (SS) is performed in various settings, but there is no consensus about the effects of SS programmes on changes in muscle morphofunction. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a high-volume SS programme on muscle strength and architecture. METHODS Sixteen healthy young male adults participated, and the dominant leg was defined as the intervention side, with the non-dominant leg as the control side. Stretching exercises were performed two times per week (6 sets of 5 min, totally 30 min per session,) for 5-week using a stretching board under the supervision of the research team. Before and after SS intervention programme, plantar-flexor strength (maximum voluntary isometric contraction, MVC-ISO; maximum voluntary concentric contraction, MVC-CON) and architecture (muscle thickness, pennation angle, and fascicle length) were measured via dynamometer and ultrasound, respectively. RESULTS Following the SS-training programme, significant increases were observed for stretching side in MVIC-ISO at neutral ankle position (p = 0.02, d = 0.31, Δ = 6.4 ± 9.9%) and MVC-CON at 120°/s (p = 0.02, d = 0.30, Δ = 7.8 ± 9.1%), with no significant change on the control side. There was no significant change in any measure of muscle architecture for both intervention and control sides. CONCLUSION Five-week high-volume SS induced positive changes on some measures of muscle strength but not hypertrophy of plantar-flexor muscles. Even with a volume much greater than already tested, the low strain offered by the SS per set seems be insufficient to induce architectural changes on skeletal muscle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaoru Yahata
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata City, Niigata, 950-3198, Japan
| | - Andreas Konrad
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, Mozartgasse 14, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Shigeru Sato
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata City, Niigata, 950-3198, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Kiyono
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata City, Niigata, 950-3198, Japan
| | - Riku Yoshida
- Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata City, Niigata, 950-3198, Japan
| | - Taizan Fukaya
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata City, Niigata, 950-3198, Japan
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kyoto Kujo Hospital, 10 Karahashirajoumoncho, Minami-ku, Kyoto, 601-8453, Japan
| | - João Pedro Nunes
- Metabolism, Nutrition, and Exercise Laboratory, Physical Education and Sport Center, Londrina State University, Londrina, 86057-970, PR, Brazil
| | - Masatoshi Nakamura
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata City, Niigata, 950-3198, Japan.
- Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata City, Niigata, 950-3198, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Saeki J, Iizuka S, Sekino H, Suzuki A, Maemichi T, Torii S. Optimum Angle of Force Production Temporarily Changes Due to Growth in Male Adolescence. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8010020. [PMID: 33401578 PMCID: PMC7823696 DOI: 10.3390/children8010020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The peak increase in lean mass in adolescents is delayed from peak height velocity (PHV), and muscle flexibility temporarily decreases as bones grow. If the decrease in muscle flexibility is caused by muscle elongation, the relationship between the exerted torque and the joint angle could change in adolescents. The purpose of this study was to investigate the change in the optimum angle of force production due to growth. Eighty-eight healthy boys were recruited for this study. Isokinetic knee extension muscle strength of the dominant leg was recorded. The outcome variable was the knee flexion angle when maximal knee extension torque was produced (optimum angle). The age at which PHV occurred was estimated from subjects’ height history. We calculated the difference between the age at measurement and the expected age of PHV (growth age). A regression analysis was performed with the optimal angle of force exertion as the dependent variable and the growth age as the independent variable. Then, a polynomial formula with the lowest p-value was obtained. A significant cubic regression was obtained between optimum angle and growth age. The results suggest that the optimum angle of force production temporarily changes in male adolescence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junya Saeki
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, 2-579-15 Mikajima, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-1192, Japan; (S.I.); (S.T.)
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, 5-3-1 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0083, Japan
- Correspondence:
| | - Satoshi Iizuka
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, 2-579-15 Mikajima, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-1192, Japan; (S.I.); (S.T.)
| | - Hiroaki Sekino
- Graduate School of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, 2-579-15 Mikajima, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-1192, Japan; (H.S.); (A.S.); (T.M.)
| | - Ayahiro Suzuki
- Graduate School of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, 2-579-15 Mikajima, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-1192, Japan; (H.S.); (A.S.); (T.M.)
| | - Toshihiro Maemichi
- Graduate School of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, 2-579-15 Mikajima, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-1192, Japan; (H.S.); (A.S.); (T.M.)
| | - Suguru Torii
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, 2-579-15 Mikajima, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-1192, Japan; (S.I.); (S.T.)
| |
Collapse
|