Journal
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
Volume 12, Issue -, Pages -Publisher
FRONTIERS MEDIA SA
DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.796497
Keywords
stretch training; resistance training; extended-field-of-view; ankle plantar flexors; muscle thickness; pennation angle; fascicle length
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High-intensity static stretching (HI-SS) is more effective than low-intensity (LI-SS) for increasing range of motion and decreasing muscle stiffness of the plantar flexor muscles in young men after a 4-week training period. However, neither HI-SS nor LI-SS training led to changes in muscle strength, jump height, or muscle architecture. The control group did not show significant changes in any variables.
The purpose of this study was to compare two static stretching (SS) training programs at high-intensity (HI-SS) and low-intensity (LI-SS) on passive and active properties of the plantar flexor muscles. Forty healthy young men were randomly allocated into three groups: HI-SS intervention group (n = 14), LI-SS intervention group (n = 13), and non-intervention control group (n = 13). An 11-point numerical scale (0-10; none to very painful stretching) was used to determine SS intensity. HI-SS and LI-SS stretched at 6-7 and 0-1 intensities, respectively, both in 3 sets of 60 s, 3x/week, for 4 weeks. Dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), gastrocnemius muscle stiffness, muscle strength, drop jump height, and muscle architecture were assessed before and after SS training program. The HI-SS group improved more than LI-SS in ROM (40 vs. 15%) and decreased muscle stiffness (-57 vs. -24%), while no significant change was observed for muscle strength, drop jump height, and muscle architecture in both groups. The control group presented no significant change in any variable. Performing HI-SS is more effective than LI-SS for increasing ROM and decreasing muscle stiffness of plantar flexor muscles following a 4-week training period in young men. However, SS may not increase muscle strength or hypertrophy, regardless of the stretching discomfort intensity.
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