Article

Peak and angle specific knee extension torques produced after a quadriceps femoris muscle stretch and after a 15-second rest were compared to determine the effect of stretch on knee extension torque Twenty healthy subjects performed eight maximum voluntary knee extensions at 90°/sec under each condition. Although peak torque and torques at 15,30,45 and 60 degrees from full extension were measured knee extension torque was only significantly greater (p<.02) at 60 degrees of knee flexion after quadriceps femoris muscle stretch. The absolute difference, which was only a mean 4.9 N.m (3.6 ft-lb), was not substantial. When quadriceps femoris muscle stretch is a consequence of passive knee flexion at 90°/sec, knee extension torque is apparently facilitated only during the initial part of the knee extension movement. Therefore, in healthy patients, a muscle stretch, such as used in this study, is probably of little therapeutic value.

Langue : ANGLAIS

Identifiant basis : 1985101920