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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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01-12-2019 | Electromyographic | Original Article

Passive muscle stretching impairs rapid force production and neuromuscular function in human plantar flexors

Authors: Gabriel S. Trajano, Laurent B. Seitz, Kazunori Nosaka, Anthony J. Blazevich

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 11-12/2019

Abstract

Purpose

We examined the effect of muscle stretching on the ability to produce rapid torque and the mechanisms underpinning the changes.

Methods

Eighteen men performed three conditions: (1) continuous stretch (1 set of 5 min), (2) intermittent stretch (5 sets of 1 min with 15-s inter-stretch interval), and (3) control. Isometric plantar flexor rate of torque development was measured during explosive maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) in the intervals 0–100 ms (RTD_V100) and 0–200 ms (RTD_V200), and in electrically evoked 0.5-s tetanic contractions (20 Hz, 20 Hz preceded by a doublet and 80 Hz). The rate of EMG rise, electromechanical delay during MVC (EMD_V) and during a single twitch contraction (EMD_twitch) were assessed.

Results

RTD_V200 was decreased (P < 0.05) immediately after continuous (− 15%) and intermittent stretch (− 30%) with no differences between protocols. The rate of torque development during tetanic stimulations was reduced (P < 0.05) immediately after continuous (− 8%) and intermittent stretch (− 10%), when averaged across stimulation frequencies. Lateral gastrocnemius rate of EMG rise was reduced after intermittent stretch (− 27%), and changes in triceps surae rate of EMG rise were correlated with changes in RTD_V200 after both continuous (r = 0.64) and intermittent stretch (r = 0.65). EMD_V increased immediately (31%) and 15 min (17%) after intermittent stretch and was correlated with changes in RTD_V200 (r = − 0.56). EMD_twitch increased immediately after continuous (4%), and immediately (5.4%), 15 min (6.3%), and 30 min after (6.4%) intermittent stretch (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Reductions in the rate of torque development immediately after stretching were associated with both neural and mechanical mechanisms.

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Title: Passive muscle stretching impairs rapid force production and neuromuscular function in human plantar flexors
Authors: Gabriel S. Trajano
Laurent B. Seitz
Kazunori Nosaka
Anthony J. Blazevich
Publication date: 01-12-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword: Electromyographic
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 11-12/2019
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-019-04244-0

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Passive muscle stretching impairs rapid force production and neuromuscular function in human plantar flexors

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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