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Takeuchi K, Nakamura M, Matsuo S, Samukawa M, Yamaguchi T, Mizuno T. Combined Effects of Static and Dynamic Stretching on the Muscle-Tendon Unit Stiffness and Strength of the Hamstrings. J Strength Cond Res 2024; 38:681-686. [PMID: 38513176 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004676] [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] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Takeuchi, K, Nakamura, M, Matsuo, S, Samukawa, M, Yamaguchi, T, and Mizuno, T. Combined effects of static and dynamic stretching on the muscle-tendon unit stiffness and strength of the hamstrings. J Strength Cond Res 38(4): 681-686, 2024-Combined static and dynamic stretching for 30 seconds is frequently used as a part of a warm-up program. However, a stretching method that can both decrease muscle-tendon unit (MTU) stiffness and increase muscle strength has not been developed. The purpose of this study was to examine the combined effects of 30 seconds of static stretching at different intensities (normal-intensity static stretching [NS] and high-intensity static [HS]) and dynamic stretching at different speeds (low-speed dynamic [LD] and high-speed dynamic stretching [HD]) on the MTU stiffness and muscle strength of the hamstrings. Thirteen healthy subjects (9 men and 4 women, 20.9 ± 0.8 years, 169.3 ± 7.2 cm, 61.1 ± 8.2 kg) performed 4 types of interventions (HS-HD, HS-LD, NS-HD, and NS-LD). Range of motion (ROM), passive torque, MTU stiffness, and muscle strength were measured before and immediately after interventions by using an isokinetic dynamometer machine. In all interventions, the ROM and passive torque significantly increased (p < 0.01). Muscle-tendon unit stiffness significantly decreased in HS-HD and HS-LD (both p < 0.01), but there was no significant change in NS-HD (p = 0.30) or NS-LD (p = 0.42). Muscle strength significantly increased after HS-HD (p = 0.02) and NS-LD (p = 0.03), but there was no significant change in HS-LD (p = 0.23) or NS-LD (p = 0.26). The results indicated that using a combination of 30 seconds of high-intensity static stretching and high-speed dynamic stretching can be beneficial for the MTU stiffness and muscle strength of the hamstrings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Takeuchi
- Department of Physical Therapy, Kobe International University, Kobe-shi, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Nakamura
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Nishi Kyushu University, Kanzaki-cho, Japan
| | - Shingo Matsuo
- Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nihon Fukushi University, Handa-shi, Japan
| | - Mina Samukawa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-ku, Japan
| | - Taichi Yamaguchi
- Laboratory of Food Ecology and Sports Science, Department of Foods Science and Human Wellness, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Science, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Japan; and
| | - Takamasa Mizuno
- Research Center of Health, Physical Fitness and Sports, Nagoya University, Nagoya-shi, Japan
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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).
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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
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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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Association between static stretching load and changes in the flexibility of the hamstrings. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21778. [PMID: 34741110 PMCID: PMC8571324 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01274-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to examine the association between static stretching load and changes in the flexibility of the hamstrings. Twelve healthy men received static stretching for 60 s at two different intensities based on the point of discomfort (100%POD and 120%POD intensity), in random order. To assess the flexibility of the hamstrings, the knee extension range of motion (ROM). Passive torque at end ROM, and muscle–tendon unit stiffness were measured before and after stretching. The static stretching load was calculated from the passive torque throughout static stretching. The knee extension ROM and passive torque at end ROM increased in both intensities (p < 0.01). The muscle–tendon unit stiffness decreased only in the 120%POD (p < 0.01). There were significant correlations between the static stretching load and the relative changes in the knee extension ROM (r = 0.56, p < 0.01) and muscle–tendon unit stiffness (r = − 0.76, p < 0.01). The results suggested that the static stretching load had significant effects on changes in the knee extension ROM and muscle–tendon unit stiffness of the hamstrings, and high-intensity static stretching was useful for improving the flexibility of the hamstrings because of its high static stretching load.
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Takeuchi K, Akizuki K, Nakamura M. The acute effects of high-intensity jack-knife stretching on the flexibility of the hamstrings. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12115. [PMID: 34108556 PMCID: PMC8190268 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91645-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to examine the acute effects of high-intensity jack-knife stretching for 60 s on flexibility of the hamstrings. Twelve healthy participants underwent jack-knife stretching for 60 s (3 repetitions of 20 s stretching with 30 s intervals) at two different intensities based on the point of discomfort (POD and PODmax). To examine any change in flexibility, knee extension range of motion (ROM), passive torque at end ROM, and muscle-tendon unit stiffness were measured before and after stretching. To evaluate hamstrings pain, a numerical rating scale (NRS) was described. The knee extension ROM (p < 0.01) and passive torque at end ROM (p < 0.05) were significantly increased at both intensities. The muscle-tendon unit stiffness was significantly decreased in PODmax intensity (p < 0.01), but there was no change in POD intensity (p = 0.18). The median values of NRS during the stretching were 0 and 6-7 in POD and PODmax intensity, respectively, although it was 0 immediately after the stretching protocol in both intensities. These data suggested that high-intensity jack-knife stretching is an effective and safe method to decrease muscle-tendon unit stiffness of the hamstrings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Takeuchi
- Department of Physical Therapy, Kobe International University, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan.
| | - Kazunori Akizuki
- Department of Physical Therapy, Kobe International University, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Nakamura
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
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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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