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European Journal of Applied Physiology

Published in:

01-08-2016 | Original Article

Acute muscle and joint mechanical responses following a high-intensity stretching protocol

Authors: Sandro R. Freitas, Ricardo J. Andrade, Antoine Nordez, Bruno Mendes, Pedro Mil-Homens

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 8/2016

Abstract

Purpose

A previous study observed a joint passive torque increase above baseline ~30 min after a high-intensity stretching. This study examined the effect of a high-intensity stretching on ankle dorsiflexion passive torque, medial gastrocnemius (MG) shear modulus, and plantar flexors maximal voluntary isometric force (MVIC).

Method

Participants (n = 11, age 27.2 ± 6.5 years, height 172.0 ± 10.0 cm, weight 69.5 ± 10.4 kg) underwent two stretching sessions with plantar flexors isometric contractions performed: (1) 5 min before, 1 min after, and every 10 min after stretching (MVC session); (2) 5 min before, and 60 min after the stretching (no-MVC session).

Results

In both sessions, no changes were observed for MG shear modulus (p > 0.109). In the no-MVC session, passive torque decreased 1 min after stretching (−7.5 ± 8.4 %, p = 0.015), but increased above baseline 30 min after stretching (+6.3 ± 9.3 %, p = 0.049). In the MVC session, passive torque decreased at 1 min (−10.1 ± 6.3 %, p < 0.001), 10 min (−6.3 ± 8.2 %, p = 0.03), 20 min (−8.0 ± 9.2 %, p = 0.017), and 60 min (−9.2 ± 12.4 %, p = 0.034) after the stretching, whereas the MVIC decreased at 1 min (−5.0 ± 9.3 %, p = 0.04) and 10 min (−6.7 ± 8.7 %, p = 0.02) after stretching.

Conclusion

The ankle passive torque increase 30 min following the stretch was not due to the MG shear modulus response; consequently, response may be due to changes in surrounding connective tissue mechanical properties.

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Title: Acute muscle and joint mechanical responses following a high-intensity stretching protocol
Authors: Sandro R. Freitas
Ricardo J. Andrade
Antoine Nordez
Bruno Mendes
Pedro Mil-Homens
Publication date: 01-08-2016
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 8/2016
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-016-3410-2

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Acute muscle and joint mechanical responses following a high-intensity stretching protocol

Abstract

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusion

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