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Warneke K, Behm DG, Alizadeh S, Hillebrecht M, Konrad A, Wirth K. Discussing Conflicting Explanatory Approaches in Flexibility Training Under Consideration of Physiology: A Narrative Review. Sports Med 2024:10.1007/s40279-024-02043-y. [PMID: 38819597 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-024-02043-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying range of motion enhancements via flexibility training discussed in the literature show high heterogeneity in research methodology and study findings. In addition, scientific conclusions are mostly based on functional observations while studies considering the underlying physiology are less common. However, understanding the underlying mechanisms that contribute to an improved range of motion through stretching is crucial for conducting comparable studies with sound designs, optimising training routines and accurately interpreting resulting outcomes. While there seems to be no evidence to attribute acute range of motion increases as well as changes in muscle and tendon stiffness and pain perception specifically to stretching or foam rolling, the role of general warm-up effects is discussed in this paper. Additionally, the role of mechanical tension applied to greater muscle lengths for range of motion improvement will be discussed. Thus, it is suggested that physical training stressors can be seen as external stimuli that control gene expression via the targeted stimulation of transcription factors, leading to structural adaptations due to enhanced protein synthesis. Hence, the possible role of serial sarcomerogenesis in altering pain perception, reducing muscle stiffness and passive torque, or changes in the optimal joint angle for force development is considered as well as alternative interventions with a potential impact on anabolic pathways. As there are limited possibilities to directly measure serial sarcomere number, longitudinal muscle hypertrophy remains without direct evidence. The available literature does not demonstrate the necessity of only using specific flexibility training routines such as stretching to enhance acute or chronic range of motion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Warneke
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
- Department of Movement Sciences, Institute of Sport Science, University of Klagenfurt, Universitatsstraße 65, 9020, Klagenfurt Am Wörthersee, Austria.
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada.
| | - 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
- Human Performance Lab, Department of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Martin Hillebrecht
- University Sports Center, Carl Von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Konrad
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
- University Sports Center, Carl Von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Wirth
- University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt, Vienna, Austria
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Konrad A, Reiner MM, Warneke K, Keiner M, Nakamura M, Tilp M. Relationship between pectoralis major stiffness and shoulder extension range of motion. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1349426. [PMID: 38510941 PMCID: PMC10950949 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1349426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the passive muscle stiffness of the pectoralis major muscle pars clavicularis (PMc) and shoulder extension range of motion (ROM) in both male and female participants. Thirty-nine (23 male/16 female) physically active and healthy participants volunteered in this study. After a standardized warm-up, the PMc stiffness was tested via shear wave elastography at a slightly stretched position (long muscle length) and in a non-stretched position (short muscle length). Additionally, a custom-made device and 3D motion capture assessed the active shoulder extension ROM. We found a significant moderate and negative relationship between shoulder extension ROM and PMc stiffness at long muscle length (rs = -0.33; p = 0.04) but not at short muscle length (r = -0.23; p = 0.17). Additionally, there was no significant difference between male and female participants in the correlation analyses at both elbow angles. The moderate correlation between PMc stiffness at a slightly stretched position and shoulder extension ROM suggests that additionally, other structures such as nerves/fascia stiffness or even stretch tolerance might be factors that can be related to shoulder extension ROM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Konrad
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, Graz University, Graz, Austria
| | - Marina M. Reiner
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, Graz University, Graz, Austria
| | - Konstantin Warneke
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt, Austria
| | - Michael Keiner
- Department of Exercise Science, German University of Health and Sport, Ismaning, Germany
| | - Masatoshi Nakamura
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Nishi Kyushu University, Saga, Japan
| | - Markus Tilp
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, Graz University, Graz, Austria
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Jelen A, Javornik E, Zupančič M, Kozinc Ž. Differential Effects of Classical vs. Sports Massage on Erector Spinae and Upper Trapezius Muscle Stiffness: A Shear-Wave Elastography Study in Young Women. Sports (Basel) 2024; 12:26. [PMID: 38251300 PMCID: PMC10820987 DOI: 10.3390/sports12010026] [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: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Classical and sports massages are commonly used interventions, but their comparative effects on muscle stiffness remain unclear. Classical massage is more general and uses light to moderate pressure, and its main purpose is relaxation. Sports massage, on the other hand, is more specialized and targets the unique needs of massaged individuals using moderate to firm pressure. This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of classical and sports massages on the stiffness of the erector spinae (ES) and upper trapezius (UT) muscles. Fifteen recreationally active young women, aged 22.9 ± 1.2 years, underwent a randomized cross-over study (with three conditions). Participants received either a five-minute classical or sports massage or a passive rest as a control on distinct days. Muscle stiffness was assessed using shear-wave elastography. The ES shear modulus displayed a significant time effect (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.515) without noticeable differences between the conditions, and the time × massage-type interactions approached statistical significance (F = 2.014; p = 0.073). There was also a large and statistically significant effect of the time on the UT (F = 11.127; p < 0.001; η2 = 0.443). We could not prove that classical and sports massages reduced muscle stiffness. The absence of significant differences might be attributed to the specific intervention parameters (massage duration of 5 min) and the small, only young women sample size. Given some tendencies towards significant effects, larger sample sizes are needed to further investigate this research question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amadej Jelen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, SI-6310 Izola, Slovenia
| | - Erina Javornik
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, SI-6310 Izola, Slovenia
| | - Manca Zupančič
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, SI-6310 Izola, Slovenia
| | - Žiga Kozinc
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, SI-6310 Izola, Slovenia
- Andrej Marušič Institute, University of Primorska, Muzejski trg 2, SI-6000 Koper, Slovenia
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Warneke K, Aragão-Santos JC, Alizadeh S, Bahrami M, Anvar SH, Konrad A, Behm DG. Are Acute Effects of Foam-Rolling Attributed to Dynamic Warm Up Effects? A Comparative Study. J Sports Sci Med 2023; 22:180-188. [PMID: 37293416 PMCID: PMC10244996 DOI: 10.52082/jssm.2023.180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023]
Abstract
Over the last decade, acute increases in range of motion (ROM) in response to foam rolling (FR) have been frequently reported. Compared to stretching, FR-induced ROM increases were not typically accompanied by a performance (e.g., force, power, endurance) deficit. Consequently, the inclusion of FR in warm-up routines was frequently recommended, especially since literature pointed out non-local ROM increases after FR. However, to attribute ROM increases to FR it must be ensured that such adaptations do not occur as a result of simple warm-up effects, as significant increases in ROM can also be assumed as a result of active warm-up routines. To answer this research question, 20 participants were recruited using a cross-over design. They performed 4x45 seconds hamstrings rolling under two conditions; FR, and sham rolling (SR) using a roller board to imitate the foam rolling movement without the pressure of the foam rolling. They were also tested in a control condition. Effects on ROM were tested under passive, active dynamic as well as ballistic conditions. Moreover, to examine non-local effects the knee to wall test (KtW) was used. Results showed that both interventions provided significant, moderate to large magnitude increases in passive hamstrings ROM and KtW respectively, compared to the control condition (p = 0.007-0.041, d = 0.62-0.77 and p = 0.002-0.006, d = 0.79-0.88, respectively). However, the ROM increases were not significantly different between the FR and the SR condition (p = 0.801, d = 0.156 and p = 0.933, d = 0.09, respectively). No significant changes could be obtained under the active dynamic (p = 0.65) while there was a significant decrease in the ballistic testing condition with a time effect (p < 0.001). Thus, it can be assumed that potential acute increases in ROM cannot be exclusively attributed to FR. It is therefore speculated that warm up effects could be responsible independent of FR or imitating the rolling movement, which indicates there is no additive effect of FR or SR to the dynamic or ballistic range of motion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Warneke
- Institute for Exercise, Sport and Health, Leuphana University, Lüneburg, Germany
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - José Carlos Aragão-Santos
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- Health Sciences Graduate Program, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brazil
| | - Shahab Alizadeh
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- Department for Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Mahdi Bahrami
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Saman Hadjizadeh Anvar
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Andreas Konrad
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - David G Behm
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
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Reiner M, Gabriel A, Sommer D, Bernsteiner D, Tilp M, Konrad A. Effects of a High-Volume 7-Week Pectoralis Muscle Stretching Training on Muscle Function and Muscle Stiffness. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2023; 9:40. [PMID: 37261567 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-023-00582-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is evidence that high-volume static stretching training of the lower limbs can increase the range of motion (ROM) while decreasing muscles stiffness. However, to date, there is no evidence on the effects of upper limb stretching training or its effect mechanism. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of a comprehensive 7-week static stretching training program of the pectoralis major muscle (PMa) on glenohumeral joint ROM, muscle force, and muscle stiffness. METHODS Thirty-eight healthy, physically active participants (23 male, 15 female) were randomly assigned to either the PMa-static stretching intervention (PMa-SS) group or the control group. The PMa-SS group performed a 7-week intervention comprising three sessions a week for 15 min per session, including three static stretching exercises of the PMa for 5 min each. Before and after the intervention period, shoulder extension ROM, muscle stiffness of the PMa (pars clavicularis), and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) peak torque (evaluated at both long (MVIClong) and short (MVICshort) muscle lengths) were investigated on a custom-made testing device at 45° shoulder abduction. RESULTS In the PMa-SS group, the shoulder extension ROM (+ 6%; p < 0.01; d = 0.92) and the MVIClong (+ 11%; p = 0.01; d = 0.76) increased. However, there were no significant changes in MVICshort or in PMa muscle stiffness in the PMa-SS group. In the control group, no changes occurred in any parameter. CONCLUSION In addition to the increase in ROM, we also observed an improved MVIC at longer but not shorter muscle lengths. This potentially indicates an increase in fascicle length, and hence a likely increase in sarcomeres in series.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Reiner
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, Mozartgasse 14, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Anna Gabriel
- Professorship of Conservative and Rehabilitative Orthopedics, Department of Sport and Health Science, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Sommer
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, Mozartgasse 14, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Daniel Bernsteiner
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, Mozartgasse 14, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Markus Tilp
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, Mozartgasse 14, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Konrad
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, Mozartgasse 14, 8010, Graz, Austria.
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