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01-04-2021 | Ultrasound | Original Article

Effects of a high-volume static stretching programme on plantar-flexor muscle strength and architecture

Authors: Kaoru Yahata, Andreas Konrad, Shigeru Sato, Ryosuke Kiyono, Riku Yoshida, Taizan Fukaya, João Pedro Nunes, Masatoshi Nakamura

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 4/2021

Abstract

Purpose

Static stretching (SS) is performed in various settings, but there is no consensus about the effects of SS programmes on changes in muscle morphofunction. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a high-volume SS programme on muscle strength and architecture.

Methods

Sixteen healthy young male adults participated, and the dominant leg was defined as the intervention side, with the non-dominant leg as the control side. Stretching exercises were performed two times per week (6 sets of 5 min, totally 30 min per session,) for 5-week using a stretching board under the supervision of the research team. Before and after SS intervention programme, plantar-flexor strength (maximum voluntary isometric contraction, MVC-ISO; maximum voluntary concentric contraction, MVC-CON) and architecture (muscle thickness, pennation angle, and fascicle length) were measured via dynamometer and ultrasound, respectively.

Results

Following the SS-training programme, significant increases were observed for stretching side in MVIC-ISO at neutral ankle position (p = 0.02, d = 0.31, Δ = 6.4 ± 9.9%) and MVC-CON at 120°/s (p = 0.02, d = 0.30, Δ = 7.8 ± 9.1%), with no significant change on the control side. There was no significant change in any measure of muscle architecture for both intervention and control sides.

Conclusion

Five-week high-volume SS induced positive changes on some measures of muscle strength but not hypertrophy of plantar-flexor muscles. Even with a volume much greater than already tested, the low strain offered by the SS per set seems be insufficient to induce architectural changes on skeletal muscle.

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Title: Effects of a high-volume static stretching programme on plantar-flexor muscle strength and architecture
Authors: Kaoru Yahata
Andreas Konrad
Shigeru Sato
Ryosuke Kiyono
Riku Yoshida
Taizan Fukaya
João Pedro Nunes
Masatoshi Nakamura
Publication date: 01-04-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Ultrasound
Ultrasound
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 4/2021
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-021-04608-5

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Effects of a high-volume static stretching programme on plantar-flexor muscle strength and architecture

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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