Are Rest Intervals Between Stretching Repetitions Effective to Acutely Increase Range of Motion?

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandro R. Freitas ◽  
João R. Vaz ◽  
Paula M. Bruno ◽  
Maria João Valamatos ◽  
Ricardo J. Andrade ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Static Stretching ◽  
Rest Interval ◽  
Joint Flexibility ◽  
Passive Torque ◽  
Torque Angle ◽  
Rest Intervals

Static stretching with rest between repetitions is often performed to acutely increase joint flexibility.Purpose:To test the effects of the lack of resting between stretching repetitions and the minimal number of stretching repetitions required to change the maximal range of motion (ROM), maximal tolerated joint passive torque (MPT), and submaximal passive torque at a given angle (PT).Methods:Five static stretching repetitions with a 30-s rest-interval (RI) and a no-rest-interval (NRI) stretching protocol were compared. Participants (N = 47) were encouraged to perform the maximal ROM without pain in all the repetitions. Each repetition lasted 90 s. Maximal ROM, MPT, PT, and muscle activity were compared between protocols for the same number of stretching repetitions.Results:The NRI produced a higher increase in maximal ROM and MPT during and after stretching (P < .05). PT decreased in both protocols, although the NRI tended to have a lower decrement across different submaximal angles (.05 < P < .08) in the initial range of the torque-angle curve. Significant changes in maximal ROM (P < .01) and PT (P < .01) were obtained at the 3rd and 2nd repetitions of RI, respectively. The RI did not significantly increase the MPT (P = .12) after stretching; only the NRI did (P < .01).Conclusions:Lack of rest between repetitions more efficiently increased the maximal ROM and capacity to tolerate PT during and after stretching. The use of 30 s rest between repetitions potentiates the decrease in PT. Rest intervals should not be used if the aim is to acutely increase maximal ROM and peak passive torque.

scholarly journals Hamstring Stiffness Returns More Rapidly After Static Stretching Than Range of Motion, Stretch Tolerance, and Isometric Peak Torque

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 325-331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Genki Hatano ◽  
Shigeyuki Suzuki ◽  
Shingo Matsuo ◽  
Satoshi Kataura ◽  
Kazuaki Yokoi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Muscle Force ◽  
Static Stretching ◽  
Passive Stiffness ◽  
Hamstring Injuries ◽  
Isometric Muscle ◽  
Torque Angle ◽  
Isometric Muscle Force ◽  
Rest Intervals

Context: Hamstring injuries are common, and lack of hamstring flexibility may predispose to injury. Static stretching not only increases range of motion (ROM) but also results in reduced muscle strength after stretching. The effects of stretching on the hamstring muscles and the duration of these effects remain unclear. Objective: To determine the effects of static stretching on the hamstrings and the duration of these effects. Design: Randomized crossover study. Setting: University laboratory. Participants: A total of 24 healthy volunteers. Interventions: The torque–angle relationship (ROM, passive torque [PT] at the onset of pain, and passive stiffness) and isometric muscle force using an isokinetic dynamometer were measured. After a 60-minute rest, the ROM of the dynamometer was set at the maximum tolerable intensity; this position was maintained for 300 seconds, while static PT was measured continuously. The torque–angle relationship and isometric muscle force after rest periods of 10, 20, and 30 minutes were remeasured. Main Outcome Measures: Change in static PT during stretching and changes in ROM, PT at the onset of pain, passive stiffness, and isometric muscle force before stretching were compared with 10, 20, and 30 minutes after stretching. Results: Static PT decreased significantly during stretching. Passive stiffness decreased significantly 10 and 20 minutes after stretching, but there was no significant prestretching versus poststretching difference after 30 minutes. PT at the onset of pain and ROM increased significantly after stretching at all rest intervals, while isometric muscle force decreased significantly after all rest intervals. Conclusions: The effect of static stretching on passive stiffness of the hamstrings was not maintained as long as the changes in ROM, stretch tolerance, and isometric muscle force. Therefore, frequent stretching is necessary to improve the viscoelasticity of the muscle–tendon unit. Muscle force decreased for 30 minutes after stretching; this should be considered prior to activities requiring maximal muscle strength.

scholarly journals Time course of changes in the range of motion and muscle-tendon unit stiffness of the hamstrings after two different intensities of static stretching

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0257367
Author(s):  
Kosuke Takeuchi ◽  
Kazunori Akizuki ◽  
Masatoshi Nakamura
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Random Order ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Static Stretching ◽  
Healthy Men ◽  
Passive Torque ◽  
Stretching Intensity

Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the time course of changes in the range of motion and muscle-tendon unit stiffness of the hamstrings after two different intensities of static stretching. Methods Fourteen healthy men (20.9 ± 0.7 years, 169.1 ± 7.5cm, 61.6 ± 6.5kg) received static stretching for 60 seconds at two different intensities based on the point of discomfort (100%POD and 120%POD) of each participant, in random order. To evaluate the time course of changes in the flexibility of the hamstrings, the knee extension range of motion (ROM), passive torque at end ROM, and muscle-tendon unit stiffness were measured pre-stretching, post-stretching, and at both 10 and 20 minutes after static stretching. Results For both intensities, ROM and passive torque at pre-stretching were significantly smaller than those at post-stretching (p < 0.01 in both intensities), 10 minutes (p < 0.01 in both intensities), and 20 minutes (p < 0.01 in both intensities). The muscle-tendon unit stiffness at pre-stretching was significantly higher than that at post-stretching (p < 0.01), 10 minutes (p < 0.01), and 20 minutes (p < 0.01) only in the 120%POD, but it showed no change in the 100%POD. Conclusion The results showed that ROM and passive torque increased in both intensities, and the effects continued for at least 20 minutes after stretching regardless of stretching intensity. However, the muscle-tendon unit stiffness of the hamstrings decreased only after static stretching at the intensity of 120%POD, and the effects continued for at least 20 minutes after stretching.

scholarly journals Effects of Static Stretching With High-Intensity and Short-Duration or Low-Intensity and Long-Duration on Range of Motion and Muscle Stiffness

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taizan Fukaya ◽  
Ryosuke Kiyono ◽  
Shigeru Sato ◽  
Kaoru Yahata ◽  
Koki Yasaka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elastic Modulus ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Short Duration ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Muscle Stiffness ◽  
Static Stretching ◽  
Low Intensity ◽  
Shear Elastic Modulus ◽  
Passive Torque ◽  
Long Duration

This study investigated the effects of static stretching (SS) delivered with the same load but using two protocols – high-intensity and short-duration and low-intensity and long-duration – on range of motion (ROM) and muscle stiffness. A total of 18 healthy students participated in the study. They randomly performed high-intensity and short-duration (120% and 100 s) or low-intensity and long-duration (50% and 240 s) SS. Outcomes were assessed on ROM, passive torque at dorsiflexion ROM, and shear elastic modulus of the medial gastrocnemius before and after static stretching. The results showed that ROM increased significantly at post-stretching compared to that at pre-stretching in both high-intensity and short-duration [+6.1° ± 4.6° (Δ25.7 ± 19.9%)] and low-intensity and long-duration [+3.6° ± 2.3° (Δ16.0 ± 11.8%)]. Also, the ROM was significantly higher at post-stretching in high-intensity and short-duration conditions than that in low-intensity and long-duration. The passive torque at dorsiflexion ROM was significantly increased in both high-intensity and short-duration [+5.8 ± 12.8 Nm (Δ22.9 ± 40.5%)] and low-intensity and long-duration [+2.1 ± 3.4 Nm (Δ6.9 ± 10.8%)] conditions, but no significant differences were observed between both conditions. The shear elastic modulus was significantly decreased in both high-intensity and short-duration [−8.8 ± 6.1 kPa (Δ − 38.8 ± 14.5%)] and low-intensity and long-duration [−8.0 ± 12.8 kPa (Δ − 22.2 ± 33.8%)] conditions. Moreover, the relative change in shear elastic modulus in the high-intensity and short-duration SS was significantly greater than that in low-intensity and long-duration SS. Our results suggest that a higher intensity of the static stretching should be conducted to increase ROM and decrease muscle stiffness, even for a short time.

scholarly journals Association between static stretching load and changes in the flexibility of the hamstrings

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kosuke Takeuchi ◽  
Kazunori Akizuki ◽  
Masatoshi Nakamura
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Random Order ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Static Stretching ◽  
Healthy Men ◽  
Passive Torque ◽  
Before And After

AbstractThe 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.

scholarly journals The Relationship between Stretching Intensity and Changes in Passive Properties of Gastrocnemius Muscle-Tendon Unit after Static Stretching

Sports ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 140
Author(s):  
Taizan Fukaya ◽  
Masatoshi Nakamura ◽  
Shigeru Sato ◽  
Ryosuke Kiyono ◽  
Kaoru Yahata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Relative Intensity ◽  
Absolute Intensity ◽  
Static Stretching ◽  
Flexor Muscle ◽  
Passive Torque ◽  
Minimum Angle ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Stretching Intensity

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between relative or absolute intensity and changes in range of motion and passive stiffness after static stretching. A total of 65 healthy young adults voluntarily participated in this study and performed static stretching of the plantar flexor-muscle for 120 s. Dorsiflexion range of motion and passive torque during passive dorsiflexion before and after stretching were assessed. We measured the passive torque at a given angle when the minimum angle was recorded before and after stretching. The angle during stretching was defined as the absolute intensity. Dorsiflexion range of motion before stretching was defined as 100%, and the ratio (%) of the angle during stretching was defined as the relative intensity. A significant correlation was found between absolute intensity and change in passive torque at a given angle (r = −0.342), but relative intensity and range of motion (r = 0.444) and passive torque at dorsiflexion range of motion (r = 0.259). A higher absolute intensity of stretching might be effective in changing the passive properties of the muscle-tendon unit. In contrast, a higher relative intensity might be effective in changing the range of motion, which could be contributed by stretch tolerance.

Immediate effects of static and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching of hamstring muscles on straight leg raise, craniovertebral angle, and cervical spine range of motion in neck pain patients with hamstring tightness: A prospective randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Eun-Dong Jeong ◽  
Chang-Yong Kim ◽  
Nack-Hwan Kim ◽  
Hyeong-Dong Kim
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Neck Pain ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
T Test ◽  
Static Stretching ◽  
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Straight Leg Raise ◽  
Pain Patients ◽  
Group Effects

BACKGROUND: The cranio-cervical flexion exercise and sub-occipital muscle inhibition technique have been used to improve a forward head posture among neck pain patients with straight leg raise (SLR) limitation. However, little is known about the cranio-vertebral angle (CVA) and cervical spine range of motion (CROM) after applying stretching methods to the hamstring muscle. OBJECTIVE: To compare the immediate effects of static stretching and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching on SLR, CVA, and CROM in neck pain patients with hamstring tightness. METHODS: 64 subjects were randomly allocated to the static stretching (n1= 32) or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (n2= 32) stretching group. The SLR test was performed to measure the hamstring muscle’s flexibility and tightness between the two groups, with CROM and CVA also being measured. The paired t-test was used to compare all the variables within each group before and after the intervention. The independent t-test was used to compare the two groups before and after the stretching exercise. RESULTS: There were no between-group effects for any outcome variables (P> 0.05). However, all SLR, CVA, and CROM outcome variables were significantly improved within-group (P< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There were no between-group effects for any outcome variable; however, SLR, CVA, and CROM significantly improved within-group after the one-session intervention in neck pain patients with hamstring tightness.

Influence of stress relaxation and load during static stretching on the range of motion and muscle–tendon passive stiffness

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taizan Fukaya ◽  
Masatoshi Nakamura ◽  
Shigeru Sato ◽  
Ryosuke Kiyono ◽  
Kaoru Yahata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stress Relaxation ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Static Stretching ◽  
Passive Stiffness

scholarly journals Acute Comparative Effect of Foam Rolling and Static Stretching on Range of Motion in Rowers

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 3631
Author(s):  
Alfonso Penichet-Tomas ◽  
Basilio Pueo ◽  
Marta Abad-Lopez ◽  
Jose M. Jimenez-Olmedo
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Static Stretching ◽  
Foam Rolling ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Alternating Treatment Design ◽  
Stroke Amplitude ◽  
Treatment Design ◽  
Over Time

Rowers’ anthropometric characteristics and flexibility are fundamental to increase stroke amplitude and optimize power transfer. The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of foam rolling and static stretching on the range of motion over time. Eight university rowers (24.8 ± 3.4 yrs., height 182.3 ± 6.5 cm, body mass 79.3 ± 4.6 kg) participated in an alternating treatment design study with two-way repeated measures ANOVA. The sit and reach test was used to measure the range of motion. Both in the foam rolling and in the static stretching method, a pre-test (T0), a post-test (T1), and a post-15-min test (T2) were performed. A significant effect was observed on the range of motion over time (p < 0.001), but not for time x method interaction (p = 0.680). Significant differences were found between T0 and T1 with foam rolling and static stretching (p < 0.001, d = 0.4); p < 0.001, d = 0.6). The differences between T0 and T2 were also significant with both methods (p = 0.001, d = 0.4; p < 0.001, d = 0.4). However, no significant difference was observed between T1 and T2 (p = 1.000, d = 0.1; p = 0.089, d = 0.2). Foam roller and static stretching seem to be effective methods to improve the range of motion but there seems to be no differences between them.

scholarly journals Effects of Intermittent and Continuous Static Stretching on Range of Motion and Musculotendinous Viscoelastic Properties Based on a Duration-Matched Protocol

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (20) ◽  
pp. 10632
Author(s):  
Kensuke Oba ◽  
Mina Samukawa ◽  
Yosuke Abe ◽  
Yukino Suzuki ◽  
Miho Komatsuzaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Plantar Flexors ◽  
Constant Torque ◽  
Resistive Torque ◽  
Repeated Measures Analysis ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Musculotendinous Stiffness ◽  
Torque Angle

The different effects of intermittent and continuous stretching on the mechanical properties of the musculotendinous complex have been unclear. This study aimed to compare the effects of intermittent and continuous stretching for the same duration on the range of motion (ROM), passive resistive torque (PRT), and musculotendinous stiffness (MTS) of ankle plantar flexors. Eighteen healthy young men participated in the study. Intermittent (four sets × 30 s) and continuous stretching (one set × 120 s) were performed in random orders on two separate days. Both stretching protocols were conducted using a dynamometer with a constant torque applied. ROM and PRT were determined using a dynamometer, and MTS was calculated using the torque–angle relationship measured before and after stretching. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance was performed for all parameters. Both intermittent and continuous stretching significantly increased ROM and decreased PRT and MTS (p < 0.05). Intermittent stretching led to greater changes in ROM and PRT than continuous stretching. However, the reduction in MTS did not differ between the two conditions. These results suggest that intermittent stretching is more effective in increasing ROM and changing the mechanical properties of the musculotendinous complex.

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