The acute and prolonged effects of 20-s static stretching on muscle strength and shear elastic modulus

“Foam Rolling” has been used in sports settings to increase range of motion and decrease muscle stiffness without decreasing muscle strength and athletic performance. However, there has been no study investigating the acute and prolonged effect of different durations of foam rolling intervention on muscle stiffness, and the minimum foam rolling intervention duration required to decrease muscle stiffness is unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the acute and prolonged effect of different durations of foam rolling intervention on ROM, muscle stiffness, and muscle strength. The 45 participants were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 groups (30 s × 1 times group vs 30 s × 3 times group vs 30 s× 10 times group). The outcome measures were dorsiflexion range of motion, shear elastic modulus of medial gastrocnemius, and muscle strength before, 2 min and 30 min after foam rolling intervention. There were no significant differences before and 2 min after foam rolling intervention in 30 s×1 time group, whereas dorsiflexion range of motion was increased in both 30 s×3 times group (p = 0.042, d = 0.26) and 30 s× 10 times group (p < 0.01, d = 0.33). However, the increase in dorsiflexion range of motion was returned to baseline value after 30 minutes in both 30 s × 3 times group and 30 s × 10 times group. In addition, there were no significant changes in shear elastic modulus and muscle strength in all groups. This study suggested that foam rolling for more than 90 s or more of foam rolling was effective in order to increase the range of motion immediately without changing muscle stiffness and muscle strength.

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Effect of Static Stretching with Superficial Cooling on Muscle Stiffness

Sports Medicine International Open ◽

10.1055/a-0684-9375 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 02 (05) ◽

pp. E142-E147 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Masatoshi Nakamura ◽

Ryo Hirabayashi ◽

Shuhei Ohya ◽

Takafumi Aoki ◽

Daichi Suzuki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Elastic Modulus ◽

Random Order ◽

Acute Effect ◽

Muscle Stiffness ◽

Cooling Condition ◽

Medial Gastrocnemius ◽

Static Stretching ◽

Shear Elastic Modulus ◽

And Control ◽

Healthy Males

AbstractThis study aimed to clarify the acute effect of static stretching (SS) with superficial cooling on dorsiflexion range of motion (DF ROM) and muscle stiffness. Sixteen healthy males participated in the cooling condition and a control condition in a random order. The DF ROM and the shear elastic modulus of medial gastrocnemius (MG) in the dominant leg were measured during passive dorsiflexion. All measurements were performed prior to (PRE) and immediately after 20 min of cooling or rested for 20 min (POST), followed by 2 min SS (POST SS). In cooling condition, DF ROM at POST and POST SS were significantly higher than that at PRE and DF ROM at POST SS was significantly higher than that at POST. In addition, the shear elastic modulus at POST was significantly higher than that at PRE and the shear elastic modulus at POST SS was significantly lower than those at PRE and POST. However, there were no significant differences in the percentage changes between PRE and POST SS between the cooling and control conditions. Our results showed that effects of SS with superficial cooling on increases in ROM and decrease in muscle stiffness were no more beneficial than those of SS alone.

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Effect of Rest Duration Between Static Stretching on Passive Stiffness of Medial Gastrocnemius Muscle In Vivo

Journal of Sport Rehabilitation ◽

10.1123/jsr.2018-0376 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 29 (5) ◽

pp. 578-582

Author(s):

Masatoshi Nakamura ◽

Shigeru Sato ◽

Ryosuke Kiyono ◽

Nobushige Takahashi ◽

Tomoichi Yoshida

Keyword(s):

Elastic Modulus ◽

Shear Wave ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Shear Wave Elastography ◽

Muscle Stiffness ◽

Medial Gastrocnemius ◽

Static Stretching ◽

Shear Elastic Modulus ◽

Before And After

Context: In clinical and sports settings, static stretching (SS) is usually performed to increase range of motion (ROM) and decrease passive muscle stiffness. Recently, the shear elastic modulus was measured by ultrasonic shear wave elastography as an index of muscle stiffness. Previous studies reported that the shear elastic modulus measured by ultrasound shear wave elastography decreased after SS, and the effects of SS on shear elastic modulus were likely affected by rest duration between sets of SS. Objective: To investigate the acute effects of SS with different rest durations on ROM and shear elastic modulus of gastrocnemius and to clarify whether the rest duration between sets of SS decreases the shear elastic modulus. Design: A randomized, repeated-measures experimental design. Setting: University laboratory. Participants: Sixteen healthy males volunteered to participate in the study (age 21.3 [0.8] y; height 171.8 [5.1] cm; weight 63.1 [4.5] kg). Main Outcome Measures: Each participant underwent 3 different rest interval durations during SS (ie, long rest duration: 90 s; normal rest duration: 30 s; and short rest duration: 10 s). This SS technique was repeated 10 times, thus lasting a total of 300 seconds with different rest durations in each protocol. The dorsiflexion ROM and shear elastic modulus were measured before and after SS. Results: Our results revealed that dorsiflexion ROM and shear elastic modulus were changed after 300-second SS; however, no effects of the rest duration between sets of SS were observed. Conclusions: In terms of decreasing the shear elastic modulus, clinicians and coaches should not focus on the rest duration when SS intervention is performed.

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

Frontiers in Physiology ◽

10.3389/fphys.2020.601912 ◽

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.

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The Comparison of Different Stretching Intensities on the Range of Motion and Muscle Stiffness of the Quadriceps Muscles

Frontiers in Physiology ◽

10.3389/fphys.2020.628870 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Masatoshi Nakamura ◽

Shigeru Sato ◽

Yuta Murakami ◽

Ryosuke Kiyono ◽

Kaoru Yahata ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Elastic Modulus ◽

Range Of Motion ◽

Knee Flexion ◽

Shear Wave Elastography ◽

Rectus Femoris ◽

Quadriceps Muscle ◽

Muscle Stiffness ◽

Static Stretching ◽

Muscle Strain ◽

Shear Elastic Modulus

Muscle strain is one of the most frequent sports injuries, having the rectus femoris (RF) muscle as the reported preferred site of quadriceps muscle strain. The decrease muscle stiffness could be an effective RF muscle strain prevention. In recent studies, a high-intensity static stretching intervention decreased passive stiffness, though no study has investigated on the effect of the different static stretching intervention intensities on quadriceps muscle stiffness. The purpose of this study was to investigate the three different quadriceps muscle stiffness intensities (120 vs. 100 vs. 80%). Eighteen healthy, sedentary male volunteers participated in the study and randomly performed three intensities. The static stretching intervention was performed in knee flexion with 30° hip extension. Three 60-second stretching intervention with a 30-second interval were performed at each stretching intensity. We measured knee flexion range of motion and shear elastic modulus of the RF muscle used by ultrasonic shear-wave elastography before and after the static stretching intervention. Our results showed that the knee flexion range of motion was increased after 100% (p < 0.01) and 120% intensities (p < 0.01) static stretching intervention, not in 80% intensity (p = 0.853). In addition, our results showed that the shear elastic modulus of the RF muscle was decreased only after 100% intensity static stretching intervention (p < 0.01), not after 80% (p = 0.365), and 120% intensities (p = 0.743). To prevent the quadriceps muscle strain, especially the RF muscle, 100%, not 120% (high) and 80% (low), intensity stretching could be beneficial in sports setting application.

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Acute Effect of Active and Passive Static Stretching on Elastic Modulus of the Hamstrings

Sports Medicine International Open ◽

10.1055/a-0733-6957 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 02 (06) ◽

pp. E163-E170 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Gakuto Nakao ◽

Keigo Taniguchi ◽

Masaki Katayose

Keyword(s):

Elastic Modulus ◽

Biceps Femoris ◽

Acute Effect ◽

Knee Extension ◽

Static Stretching ◽

Semitendinosus Muscle ◽

Shear Elastic Modulus ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Long Head ◽

Biceps Femoris Long Head

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate differences in the acute effects of passive knee extension (PKE) and active knee extension (AKE) stretching on the shear elastic modulus of the hamstrings. In 20 healthy men, maximum knee extension (maximum range of motion [ROM]) and shear elastic modulus of the hamstrings (biceps femoris long head, semitendinosus, semimembranosus) were measured before (Pre) and after (Post) AKE and PKE stretching. The maximum ROM during stretching was measured. In both stretching methods, maximum ROM increased and the shear elastic modulus decreased (p<0.01), but no difference was found between the procedures. No significant difference was observed in the maximum ROM during stretching between the procedures (p=0.06). The shear elastic modulus was significantly lower in the biceps femoris long head and semimembranosus than in the semitendinosus muscle (p<0.05). Static stretching with PKE and AKE stretching showed an increase in maximum ROM and a decrease in hamstring elasticity, but no difference was found between the methods. Both stretching protocols were effective for reducing elasticity of the biceps femoris long head and semimembranosus.

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Acute Effect of Vibration Roller With and Without Rolling on Various Parts of the Plantar Flexor Muscle

Frontiers in Physiology ◽

10.3389/fphys.2021.716668 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Masatoshi Nakamura ◽

Shigeru Sato ◽

Ryosuke Kiyono ◽

Riku Yoshida ◽

Yuta Murakami ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Elastic Modulus ◽

Muscle Strength ◽

Athletic Performance ◽

Muscle Stiffness ◽

Plantar Flexor ◽

Flexor Muscle ◽

Jump Performance ◽

Muscle Belly ◽

Shear Elastic Modulus ◽

Passive Torque

A single use of a vibration foam roller likely increases the range of motion (ROM) without decreasing muscle strength and athletic performance. However, to date, no study compared the effects of a vibration roller with and without rolling on various parts of the plantar flexor muscle. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of the vibration foam roller with rolling or without rolling at the muscle-tendon junction (MTJ) or the muscle belly on dorsiflexion (DF) ROM, passive torque at DF ROM, shear elastic modulus, muscle strength, and jump performance. Fifteen healthy young males performed the following three conditions: (1) vibration rolling over the whole muscle-tendon unit, (2) static vibration on muscle belly, and (3) static vibration on MTJ for three-set 60-s vibration in random order. In this study, DF ROM, passive torque, shear elastic modulus, muscle strength, and single-leg drop jump were measured before and immediately after the interventions. The DF ROM and passive torque at DF ROM were increased after all three conditions, whereas the shear elastic modulus was decreased after vibration rolling and static vibration on the muscle belly, but not following static vibration of the MTJ. In addition, there were no significant changes in muscle strength and jump performance in any group. Our results showed that vibration with rolling or static vibration on muscle belly could be effective to improve ROM and muscle stiffness without adverse effects of muscle strength and athletic performance.

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Acute effects of static stretching on the hamstrings using shear elastic modulus determined by ultrasound shear wave elastography: Differences in flexibility between hamstring muscle components

Manual Therapy ◽

10.1016/j.math.2015.02.006 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 20 (4) ◽

pp. 610-613 ◽

Cited By ~ 30

Author(s):

Hiroki Umegaki ◽

Tome Ikezoe ◽

Masatoshi Nakamura ◽

Satoru Nishishita ◽

Takuya Kobayashi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Elastic Modulus ◽

Shear Wave ◽

Shear Wave Elastography ◽

Static Stretching ◽

Hamstring Muscle ◽

Acute Effects ◽

Shear Elastic Modulus

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High-Intensity Static Stretching in Quadriceps Is Affected More by Its Intensity Than Its Duration

Frontiers in Physiology ◽

10.3389/fphys.2021.709655 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Kosuke Takeuchi ◽

Shigeru Sato ◽

Ryosuke Kiyono ◽

Kaoru Yahata ◽

Yuta Murakami ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Elastic Modulus ◽

High Intensity ◽

High Stress ◽

Rectus Femoris ◽

Muscle Stiffness ◽

Static Stretching ◽

Lower Intensity ◽

Healthy Men ◽

Shear Elastic Modulus ◽

Stretching Intensity

A previous study reported that 3-min of high-intensity static stretching at an intensity of 120% of range of motion (ROM) did not change the muscle stiffness of the rectus femoris, because of the overly high stress of the stretching. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of high-intensity static stretching of a shorter duration or lower intensity on the flexibility of the rectus femoris than that of the previous study. Two experiments were conducted (Experiment 1 and 2). In Experiment 1, eleven healthy men underwent static stretching at the intensity of 120% of ROM for two different durations (1 and 3 min). In Experiment 2, fifteen healthy men underwent 3-min of static stretching at the intensity of 110% of ROM. The shear elastic modulus of the quadriceps were measured. In Experiment 1, ROM increased in both interventions (p < 0.01), but the shear elastic modulus of the rectus femoris was not changed. In Experiment 2, ROM significantly increased (p < 0.01), and the shear elastic modulus of the rectus femoris significantly decreased (p < 0.05). It was suggested that the stretching intensity (110%) is more important than stretching duration to decrease the muscle stiffness of the rectus femoris.

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Post-Operative Assessment of Ulnar Nerve Tension Using Shear-Wave Elastography

Neurology International ◽

10.3390/neurolint13030046 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (3) ◽

pp. 469-476

Author(s):

Sebastien Durand ◽

Wassim Raffoul ◽

Thierry Christen ◽

Nadine Pedrazzi

Keyword(s):

Elastic Modulus ◽

Shear Wave ◽

Ulnar Nerve ◽

Shear Wave Elastography ◽

Elbow Flexion ◽

Ulnar Nerve Compression ◽

Nerve Decompression ◽

Shear Elastic Modulus ◽

Anterior Transposition ◽

Operative Assessment

Background: Ulnar nerve compression at the elbow level is the second-most common entrapment neuropathy. The aim of this study was to use shear-wave elastography for the quantification of ulnar nerve elasticity in patients after ulnar nerve decompression with anterior transposition and in the contralateral non-operative side. Method: Eleven patients with confirmed diagnosis and ulnar nerve decompression with anterior transposition were included and examinations were performed on an AixplorerTM ultrasound system (Supersonic Imagine, Aix-en-Provence, France). Results: We observed significant differences at 0-degree (p < 0.001), 45-degree (p < 0.05), 90-degree (p < 0.01) and 120-degree (p < 0.001) elbow flexion in the shear elastic modulus of the ulnar nerve in the operative and non-operative sides. There were no statistically significant differences between the elasticity values of the ulnar nerve after transposition at 0-degree elbow flexion and in the non-operative side at 120-degree elbow flexion (p = 0.39), or in the ulnar nerve after transposition at 120-degree elbow flexion and in the non-operative side at 0-degree elbow flexion (p = 0.09). Conclusion: Shear-wave elastography has the potential to be used postoperatively as a method for assessing nerve tension noninvasively by the estimation of mechanical properties, such as the shear elastic modulus.

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