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Russell A, Choi B, Robinson D, Penailillo L, Earp JE. Acute and Chronic Effects of Static Stretching on Intramuscular Hamstring Stiffness. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2024; 34:e14670. [PMID: 38856021 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14670] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Passive hamstring stiffness varies proximo-distally, resulting in inhomogeneous tissue strain during stretching that may affect localized adaptations and risk of muscle injuries. The purpose of the present study was to determine the acute and chronic effects of static stretching (SS) on intramuscular hamstring stiffness. Thirty healthy active participants had acute changes in passive biceps femoris (BF), semimembranosus (SM), and semitendinosus (ST) stiffness measured at 25% (proximal), 50% (middle), and 75% (distal) muscle length, using shear-wave elastography, immediately after SS. Participants then completed 4 weeks of either a SS intervention (n = 15) or no intervention (CON, n = 15) with stiffness measured before and after the interventions. The acute and chronic effects of SS were compared between anatomical regions and between regions on the basis of their relative stiffness pre-intervention. Acutely, SS decreased stiffness throughout the BF and SM (p ≤ 0.05) but not the ST (p = 0.326). However, a regional effect of stretching was observed for SM and ST with greater reduction in stiffness occurring in stiffer muscular regions (p = 0.001-0.013). Chronically, SS increased BF and ST (p < 0.05), but not SM (p = 0.422) stiffness compared with CON, but no regional effect of stretching was observed in any muscle (p = 0.361-0.833). SS resulted in contrasting acute and chronic effects, acutely decreasing stiffness in stiffer regions while chronically increasing stiffness. These results indicate that the acute effects of SS vary along the muscle's length on the basis of the relative stiffness of the muscle and that acute changes in stiffness from SS are unrelated to chronic adaptations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Russell
- Sports Optimization & Rehabilitation Lab, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Benjamin Choi
- Sports Optimization & Rehabilitation Lab, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Davina Robinson
- Sports Optimization & Rehabilitation Lab, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Luis Penailillo
- School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Institute of Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jacob E Earp
- Sports Optimization & Rehabilitation Lab, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
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Afonso J, Andrade R, Rocha-Rodrigues S, Nakamura FY, Sarmento H, Freitas SR, Silva AF, Laporta L, Abarghoueinejad M, Akyildiz Z, Chen R, Pizarro A, Ramirez-Campillo R, Clemente FM. What We Do Not Know About Stretching in Healthy Athletes: A Scoping Review with Evidence Gap Map from 300 Trials. Sports Med 2024; 54:1517-1551. [PMID: 38457105 PMCID: PMC11239752 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-024-02002-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stretching has garnered significant attention in sports sciences, resulting in numerous studies. However, there is no comprehensive overview on investigation of stretching in healthy athletes. OBJECTIVES To perform a systematic scoping review with an evidence gap map of stretching studies in healthy athletes, identify current gaps in the literature, and provide stakeholders with priorities for future research. METHODS Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 and PRISMA-ScR guidelines were followed. We included studies comprising healthy athletes exposed to acute and/or chronic stretching interventions. Six databases were searched (CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) until 1 January 2023. The relevant data were narratively synthesized; quantitative data summaries were provided for key data items. An evidence gap map was developed to offer an overview of the existing research and relevant gaps. RESULTS Of ~ 220,000 screened records, we included 300 trials involving 7080 athletes [mostly males (~ 65% versus ~ 20% female, and ~ 15% unreported) under 36 years of age; tiers 2 and 3 of the Participant Classification Framework] across 43 sports. Sports requiring extreme range of motion (e.g., gymnastics) were underrepresented. Most trials assessed the acute effects of stretching, with chronic effects being scrutinized in less than 20% of trials. Chronic interventions averaged 7.4 ± 5.1 weeks and never exceeded 6 months. Most trials (~ 85%) implemented stretching within the warm-up, with other application timings (e.g., post-exercise) being under-researched. Most trials examined static active stretching (62.3%), followed by dynamic stretching (38.3%) and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching (12.0%), with scarce research on alternative methods (e.g., ballistic stretching). Comparators were mostly limited to passive controls, with ~ 25% of trials including active controls (e.g., strength training). The lower limbs were primarily targeted by interventions (~ 75%). Reporting of dose was heterogeneous in style (e.g., 10 repetitions versus 10 s for dynamic stretching) and completeness of information (i.e., with disparities in the comprehensiveness of the provided information). Most trials (~ 90%) reported performance-related outcomes (mainly strength/power and range of motion); sport-specific outcomes were collected in less than 15% of trials. Biomechanical, physiological, and neural/psychological outcomes were assessed sparsely and heterogeneously; only five trials investigated injury-related outcomes. CONCLUSIONS There is room for improvement, with many areas of research on stretching being underexplored and others currently too heterogeneous for reliable comparisons between studies. There is limited representation of elite-level athletes (~ 5% tier 4 and no tier 5) and underpowered sample sizes (≤ 20 participants). Research was biased toward adult male athletes of sports not requiring extreme ranges of motion, and mostly assessed the acute effects of static active stretching and dynamic stretching during the warm-up. Dose-response relationships remain largely underexplored. Outcomes were mostly limited to general performance testing. Injury prevention and other effects of stretching remain poorly investigated. These relevant research gaps should be prioritized by funding policies. REGISTRATION OSF project ( https://osf.io/6auyj/ ) and registration ( https://osf.io/gu8ya ).
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Affiliation(s)
- José Afonso
- Faculty of Sport, Centre of Research, Education, Innovation, and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Renato Andrade
- Clínica Espregueira-FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, Porto, Portugal
- Dom Henrique Research Centre, Porto, Portugal
- Porto Biomechanics Laboratory (LABIOMEP), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sílvia Rocha-Rodrigues
- Escola Superior de Desporto e Lazer, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun'Alvares, 4900-347, Viana do Castelo, Portugal
- Tumour and Microenvironment Interactions Group, INEB-Institute of Biomedical Engineering, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 4200-153, Porto, Portugal
- Sport Physical Activity and Health Research & Innovation Center, 4900-347, Viana do Castelo, Portugal
| | - Fábio Yuzo Nakamura
- Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), University of Maia, Maia, Portugal
| | - Hugo Sarmento
- University of Coimbra, Research Unit for Sport and Physical Activity (CIDAF), Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sandro R Freitas
- Laboratório de Função Neuromuscular, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Cruz Quebrada, Portugal
| | - Ana Filipa Silva
- Escola Superior de Desporto e Lazer, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun'Alvares, 4900-347, Viana do Castelo, Portugal
- Sport Physical Activity and Health Research & Innovation Center, 4900-347, Viana do Castelo, Portugal
| | - Lorenzo Laporta
- Núcleo de Estudos em Performance Analysis Esportiva (NEPAE/UFSM), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Avenida Roraima, nº 1000, Cidade Universitária, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, CEP: 97105-900, Brazil
| | | | - Zeki Akyildiz
- Sports Science Faculty, Department of Coaching Education, Afyon Kocatepe University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Rongzhi Chen
- Faculty of Sport, Centre of Research, Education, Innovation, and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Andreia Pizarro
- Faculty of Sport, Research Center in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure (CIAFEL), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Rua das Taipas, 135, 4050-600, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo Ramirez-Campillo
- Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, School of Physical Therapy. Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, 7591538, Santiago, Chile
| | - Filipe Manuel Clemente
- Escola Superior de Desporto e Lazer, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun'Alvares, 4900-347, Viana do Castelo, Portugal
- Sport Physical Activity and Health Research & Innovation Center, 4900-347, Viana do Castelo, Portugal
- Gdańsk University of Physical Education and Sport, 80-336, Gdańsk, Poland
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Warneke K, Konrad A, Wilke J. The knowledge of movement experts about stretching effects: Does the science reach practice? PLoS One 2024; 19:e0295571. [PMID: 38277378 PMCID: PMC10817148 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Stretching is performed with numerous purposes in multiple settings such as prevention, rehabilitation, fitness training and sports. Its patterns of use substantially depend on the education and beliefs of health care and exercise professionals as they represent the multiplicators recommending and prescribing interventions to clients, patients and athletes. This study investigated movement experts' knowledge about the scientific evidence on stretching effects. DESIGN Survey study. PARTICIPANTS A total of 117 exercise and health professionals (physiotherapists, sports scientists, coaches) attending a training convention in Austria (male: n = 44, female: n = 73, 36±11 years) completed a digital survey. With its 22 items, the questionnaire addressed the movement experts' awareness of the evidence on stretching effects regarding a variety of related topics selected based on the findings of topical systematic reviews. RESULTS The majority of the individuals (57-88%) assumed positive effects of stretching on recovery, prevention of muscle injury, range of motion, muscular imbalance and artery elasticity. No or adverse effects were mostly claimed on bone injury prevention, maximal/explosive strength, and delayed-onset muscle soreness. In only 10 of 22 items, participants' classifications were in accord with the scientific evidence. CONCLUSIONS The awareness of research findings on stretching effects among exercise and health professionals is alarmingly low. Future studies may hence be geared to improve implementation and science communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Warneke
- Institute of Sport Science, Alpen-Adria-University Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Austria
| | - Andreas Konrad
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Jan Wilke
- Institute of Sport Science, Alpen-Adria-University Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Austria
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Dos Reis AL, de Oliveira LC, de Oliveira RG. Effects of stretching in a pilates program on musculoskeletal fitness: a randomized clinical trial. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2024; 16:11. [PMID: 38191589 PMCID: PMC10775508 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-024-00808-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The scientific literature questions the impact of stretching exercises performed immediately before muscle strengthening exercises on different components of musculoskeletal physical fitness. Pilates is a physical exercise modality that typically uses stretching exercises preceding muscle-strengthening exercises. However, no studies have investigated the effects of stretching in a Pilates program on components of musculoskeletal fitness. The aim of the present study was to verify the effects of stretching in a Pilates exercise program on flexibility, strength, vertical jump height and muscular endurance. METHODS Thirty-two sedentary young women were randomized into two groups: traditional Pilates (TP), who performed flexibility and muscle strengthening exercises (n = 16), and nontraditional Pilates (NTP), who only performed muscle-strengthening exercises (n = 16). Sessions took place 3 times a week for 8 weeks. The following tests were performed pre- and postintervention: 10-RM knee extensors, vertical jump, handgrip, 1-min sit-ups, Sorensen and sit-and-reach. The occurrence of adverse events was recorded throughout the intervention and compared between groups using odds ratio (OR). To compare the results of motor tests between groups, ANCOVA or Mann‒Whitney U test was used for parametric and nonparametric data, respectively. The data were analyzed by intention-to-treat. RESULTS After intervention, the TP was superior to NTP for the sit-and-reach test, with a large effect size (d = 0.87; p = 0.035), with no differences between groups for the other tests. Intragroup comparisons showed significant differences (p < 0.05) for TP and NTP for improvement in 10-RM knee extensors and vertical jump measurements, while only TP showed significant intragroup improvement (p < 0.05) for the sit-and-reach test. A greater chance of experiencing pain or other discomfort as a result of exercise was shown by NTP (OR = 4.20, CI95% 0.69 to 25.26). CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrated that stretching exercises performed at the beginning of sessions in a Pilates program did not impair or enhance the development of strength, vertical jump height and muscular endurance in young women. However, only the Pilates program with stretching improved flexibility and reduced the chances of adverse events such as musculoskeletal pain and other discomfort resulting from the exercise protocol. CLINICALTRIALS GOV: NCT05538520, prospectively registered on September 16, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Lopes Dos Reis
- Postgraduate Program in Human Movement Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Universidade Estadual do Norte do Paraná (UENP), Alameda Padre Magno, 841, Nova Alcântara, Jacarezinho, PR, CEP: 86400-000, Brazil
| | - Laís Campos de Oliveira
- Postgraduate Program in Human Movement Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Universidade Estadual do Norte do Paraná (UENP), Alameda Padre Magno, 841, Nova Alcântara, Jacarezinho, PR, CEP: 86400-000, Brazil
| | - Raphael Gonçalves de Oliveira
- Postgraduate Program in Human Movement Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Universidade Estadual do Norte do Paraná (UENP), Alameda Padre Magno, 841, Nova Alcântara, Jacarezinho, PR, CEP: 86400-000, Brazil.
- Postgraduate Program in Physical Exercise in Health Promotion, Health Sciences Research Center, Universidade Norte do Paraná (UNOPAR), Londrina, PR, Brazil.
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Cai P, Liu L, Li H. Dynamic and static stretching on hamstring flexibility and stiffness: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18795. [PMID: 37560703 PMCID: PMC10407730 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hamstring injuries are one of the most common types of damage in sports. Insufficient flexibility and high stiffness are important reasons for it. Stretching is often used in warm-up activities before exercises to increase flexibility, among which dynamic stretching (DS) and static stretching (SS) are the most widely used. The effects of these two stretching techniques on the flexibility or stiffness of the hamstring still need to be clarified. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare the short-term, medium-term, and long-term effects of DS and SS on improving hamstring flexibility and stiffness via a meta-analysis of RCTs. METHODS RCTs were identified from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and PEDro from inception to July 28, 2022. The methodological quality was evaluated using the PEDro scale. The mean difference and 95% confidence interval of the outcome variables before and after stretching were calculated and the extracted data were quantitatively processed using a random or fixed effects model. RESULTS A total of 27 RCTs and 606 participants were included. In terms of improving the ROM of the hamstring, there was no significant difference in the acute (MD, -0.70, 95% CI, -1.54 to 0.14; Z = 1.63, P > 0.05) and sub-acute effects (MD, 1.71, 95% CI, -2.80 to 6.22; Z = 0.74, P > 0.05) between a single bout of SS and DS, while the acute (MD, -5.13, 95% CI, -7.65 to -2.61; Z = 3.99, P < 0.05) and sub-acute effects (MD, -5.30, 95% CI, -6.33 to -4.27; Z = 10.04, P < 0.05) of multiple bouts of SS was superior to DS; There was no significant difference in the medium-term effect between the two stretching techniques (MD, 3.48, 95% CI, -2.57 to 9.53; Z = 1.13, P > 0.05), but the long-term effect of SS was better than DS (MD, - 10.40, 95% CI, -10.97 to -9.83; Z = 35.57, P < 0.05). Regarding the length of the hamstring, the acute (MD, -0.41, 95% CI, -1.09 to 0.26; Z = 1.20, P > 0.05) and sub-acute effects (MD, -0.73, 95% CI, -1.69 to 0.22; Z = 1.51, P > 0.05) of a single bout of DS and SS were similar. Two studies have compared the effects on hamstring stiffness, with one showing similar effects, and the other showed that DS was superior to SS. One study showed no difference in the magnitude of change in improving passive torque. No studies explored the effect of DS and SS on hamstring myofascial length. Only one study demonstrated no significant difference in hamstring thickness. CONCLUSIONS A single bout of DS and SS have similar short-term effects in improving hamstring ROM and length, while multiple bouts of SS can significantly improve hamstring ROM compared to DS. DS and SS showed similar effects on hamstring myofascial length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Cai
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lewen Liu
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hai Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
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Babault N, Hitier M, Paizis C, Vieira DCL. Exploring Acute Changes in Hamstring EMG after Warm-up and Stretching Using a Multifractal Analysis. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2023; 55:1023-1033. [PMID: 36719665 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000003128] [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: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed to apply multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MFDFA) to surface EMG to detect neuromuscular changes after realistic warm-up procedures that was followed by various stretching exercises. METHODS Sixteen volunteers conducted two experimental sessions. Testing included two maximal voluntary contractions before, after a standardized warm-up, and after a stretching exercise (static or neurodynamic nerve gliding technique). EMG was registered on biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscles. EMG was analyzed using different parameters obtained from the singularity Hurst exponent function and multifractal power spectrum (both obtained from the multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis). RESULTS The Hurst exponent, α maximum, and peak value of the multifractal spectrum significantly decreased after warm-up as compared with baseline for both biceps femoris ( P = 0.003, P = 0.006, and P = 0.003, respectively) and semitendinosus ( P = 0.006, P = 0.013 and P = 0.01, respectively) muscles. No further alteration was obtained after static or neurodynamic nerve gliding stretching as compared with post-warm-up ( P = 1.0). No significant difference was obtained for Hurst exponent range, width, and asymmetry of the multifractal spectrum ( P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS From the present results, EMG depicted multifractal features sensitive to detect neuromuscular changes after a warm-up procedure. An increase in multiscale complexity is revealed after warm-up without any further alteration after stretching. The multifractal spectrum depicted dominant small fluctuations that shifted toward slightly larger fluctuations that could be attributed to motor unit recruitment.
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Usefulness of Surface Electromyography Complexity Analyses to Assess the Effects of Warm-Up and Stretching during Maximal and Sub-Maximal Hamstring Contractions: A Cross-Over, Randomized, Single-Blind Trial. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11091337. [PMID: 36138816 PMCID: PMC9495372 DOI: 10.3390/biology11091337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to apply different complexity-based methods to surface electromyography (EMG) in order to detect neuromuscular changes after realistic warm-up procedures that included stretching exercises. Sixteen volunteers conducted two experimental sessions. They were tested before, after a standardized warm-up, and after a stretching exercise (static or neuromuscular nerve gliding technique). Tests included measurements of the knee flexion torque and EMG of biceps femoris (BF) and semitendinosus (ST) muscles. EMG was analyzed using the root mean square (RMS), sample entropy (SampEn), percentage of recurrence and determinism following a recurrence quantification analysis (%Rec and %Det) and a scaling parameter from a detrended fluctuation analysis. Torque was significantly greater after warm-up as compared to baseline and after stretching. RMS was not affected by the experimental procedure. In contrast, SampEn was significantly greater after warm-up and stretching as compared to baseline values. %Rec was not modified but %Det for BF muscle was significantly greater after stretching as compared to baseline. The a scaling parameter was significantly lower after warm-up as compared to baseline for ST muscle. From the present results, complexity-based methods applied to the EMG give additional information than linear-based methods. They appeared sensitive to detect EMG complexity increases following warm-up.
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Okinaka M, Wada T. The effect of static stretching on key hits and subjective fatigue in eSports. J Phys Ther Sci 2021; 33:891-897. [PMID: 34873369 PMCID: PMC8636918 DOI: 10.1589/jpts.33.891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
[Purpose] To explore the effects of static stretching for 20 s on key hits and
subjective fatigue in an eSports-like setting. [Participants and Methods] The participants
comprised of 15 healthy males who were instructed to hit a particular key on a computer
keyboard using the left ring finger to achieve the maximum number of hits possible over a
period of 30 s. Subjective fatigue of the forearm was assessed using a visual analog scale
(VAS) before the experiment and after each trial. Trials 1, 2, and 3 were conducted in
succession, with an inter-trial interval of 60 s to ensure a loaded state. Static
stretching for 20 s preceded Trial 4. [Results] Over the first three trials, the number of
key hits in the first 10 s gradually decreased, while the feeling of subjective fatigue
gradually increased. After stretching, the number of key hits in the first 10 s of Trial 4
was similar to that observed in Trial 1, and there was no increase in subjective fatigue.
[Conclusion] Static stretching for 20 s restored the number of key hits for 10 s after
stretching to that before the load application and suppressed the increase in subjective
fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miyono Okinaka
- Degree Programs in Comprehensive Human Sciences, Doctoral Program in Sports Medicine, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba: 1-29-3 Otsuka, Bunkyou-ku, Tokyo 112-0012, Japan
| | - Tsunehiko Wada
- Degree Programs in Comprehensive Human Sciences, Doctoral Program in Sports Medicine, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba: 1-29-3 Otsuka, Bunkyou-ku, Tokyo 112-0012, Japan
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Exploring Shank Circumference by Stretching after Training among Volleyball Players. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18168849. [PMID: 34444598 PMCID: PMC8392235 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
This preliminary study examined the effects of a stretching intervention after training and its duration (15 vs. 30 min) on participants’ shank circumference (SC) reduction and subjective discomfort score. Ten male volleyball players underwent a routine 3 h training. A two-way analysis of variance revealed that the stretching intervention had significant effects on SC reduction (p < 0.01) and subjective discomfort scores (p < 0.001). Stretching after training could help eliminate shank strain, and a slighter discomfort in shanks when stretching was also seen (score, 20.1/100). An independent-samples t test revealed a significantly higher SC reduction (p < 0.01) with 30 min of stretching (5.6 mm) than with 15 min of stretching (2.7 mm); both stretching durations reduced SC significantly more than the no-stretching condition did. The findings of this study can serve as a reference for volleyball players to alleviate shank strain after daily routine training.
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