Article

The effects of an acute bout of moderate-duration static stretching
on plantar flexor force production, series compliance of the muscle-tendon unit,
and levels of neuromuscular activation were examined. METHODS: Eighteen active
individuals (9 men and 9 women) performed four 45-s static plantar flexor
stretches and a time-matched control of no stretch (where subjects remained
seated in the dynamometer for 4 min with no stretch being performed). Measures of
peak isometric moment, rate of force development, neuromuscular activation
(interpolated twitch technique and electromyography), twitch force
characteristics, passive moment during stretch, and tendon elongation during
maximal voluntary contractions were taken before and after the stretching.
FINDINGS: Despite a significant stress-relaxation response during stretch (9.3%,
P<0.01) there were no significant differences in peak isometric moment (P=0.35;
effect size 0.13), rate of force development (P=0.93; effect size 0.01),
neuromuscular activation (interpolated twitch: P=0.86; electromyography: P=0.09;
effect size 0.02), or tendon elongation (P=0.61; effect size 0.07) after
stretching. Twitch characteristics were also unchanged after stretching, although
there was a reduction in the rate of twitch torque relaxation (RR(t); P<0.01).
INTERPRETATION: The acute bout of moderate-duration static stretching did not
impair the force generating capacity of the plantar flexors or negatively affect
muscle-tendon mechanical properties. Static stretching may not always have
detrimental consequences for force production. Thus, clinicians may be able to
apply moderate-duration stretches to patients without risk of reducing muscular
performance.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS