King Grub
2011-03-03, 09:09
Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of constant-angle (CA) and constant-torque (CT) stretching of the leg flexors on peak torque (PT), electromyography (EMGRMS) at PT, passive range of motion (PROM), passive torque during the range of motion (PASTQ), and musculotendinous stiffness (MTS).
Methods: Seventeen healthy men (mean +/- SD age = 21.4 +/- 2.4) performed a PROM assessment and isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the leg flexors at a knee joint angle of 80[degrees] below full leg extension before and after 8 min of CA and CT stretching. PASTQ and MTS were measured at three common joint angles for pre- and post-assessments.
Results: PT decreased (mean +/- SE 5.63 +/- 1.65 Nm) (P = 0.004), and EMGRMS was unchanged (P > 0.05) from pre- to post-stretching for both treatments. PROM increased (5.00 +/- 1.03[degrees]) and PASTQ decreased at all three angles pre- to post-stretching (angel 1 5.03 +/- 4.52 Nm; angel 2 6.30 +/- 5.88 Nm; angle 3 6.68 +/- 6.33 Nm) for both treatments (P <= 0.001). In addition, MTS decreased at all three angles (angel 1 0.23 +/- 0.29 Nm[degrees]1; angel 2 0.26 +/- 0.35 Nm[degrees]1; angle 3 0.28 +/- 0.44 Nm[degrees]1) following the CT stretching treatment (P < 0.005), however, MTS was unchanged following CA stretching (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: PT, EMGRMS, PROM and PASTQ changed in a similar manner following stretching treatments, however, only CT stretching resulted in a decrease in MTS. Therefore, if the primary goal of the stretching routine is to decrease MTS, these results suggest CT stretching (constant pressure) may be more appropriate than a stretch held at a constant muscle length (CA stretching).
The Effects of Two Modes of Static Stretching On Muscle Strength and Stiffness. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011 Feb 28.
http://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/secure/pages/purchase.aspx?an=00005768-900000000-98985
Methods: Seventeen healthy men (mean +/- SD age = 21.4 +/- 2.4) performed a PROM assessment and isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the leg flexors at a knee joint angle of 80[degrees] below full leg extension before and after 8 min of CA and CT stretching. PASTQ and MTS were measured at three common joint angles for pre- and post-assessments.
Results: PT decreased (mean +/- SE 5.63 +/- 1.65 Nm) (P = 0.004), and EMGRMS was unchanged (P > 0.05) from pre- to post-stretching for both treatments. PROM increased (5.00 +/- 1.03[degrees]) and PASTQ decreased at all three angles pre- to post-stretching (angel 1 5.03 +/- 4.52 Nm; angel 2 6.30 +/- 5.88 Nm; angle 3 6.68 +/- 6.33 Nm) for both treatments (P <= 0.001). In addition, MTS decreased at all three angles (angel 1 0.23 +/- 0.29 Nm[degrees]1; angel 2 0.26 +/- 0.35 Nm[degrees]1; angle 3 0.28 +/- 0.44 Nm[degrees]1) following the CT stretching treatment (P < 0.005), however, MTS was unchanged following CA stretching (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: PT, EMGRMS, PROM and PASTQ changed in a similar manner following stretching treatments, however, only CT stretching resulted in a decrease in MTS. Therefore, if the primary goal of the stretching routine is to decrease MTS, these results suggest CT stretching (constant pressure) may be more appropriate than a stretch held at a constant muscle length (CA stretching).
The Effects of Two Modes of Static Stretching On Muscle Strength and Stiffness. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011 Feb 28.
http://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/secure/pages/purchase.aspx?an=00005768-900000000-98985