Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor of Sport Physiology, Sport Sciences Research Institute of Iran

2 Ph.D. Student in Biochemistry and Metabolism of Exercise, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

3 Ph.D. Student in Neuromuscular Exercise Physiology, Hakim Sabzevari University

4 Assistant Professor of Sport Biomechanic, University of Sistan And Baluchestan

5 Assistant Professor of Motor Behavior, Sport Sciences Research Institute of Iran

Abstract

The present study aimed to determine short term static and dynamic stretching exercise on peak eccentric torque of hamstring muscle and conventional and functional rate of hamstring to quadriceps in female athletes. Sixteen female futsal athletes (weight: 52.65+15.83, age: 24± 4.2) were participated in this study who had no history of injury in lower limb. They were asked to be in order to measure isokinetic peak torque of quadriceps and hamstring muscles in both concentric and eccentric contractions in one of the states of no stretch (control), static and dynamic stretch. The participants did four stretching exercises for muscle groups of lower limbs (hamstring, quadriceps, adductors and Psoas). Two 30-second stretching exercises were done in static state and fifteen 2-second exercises with a 20-second interval rest were done in dynamic state. Fifteen minutes after stretching exercises the isokinetic tests were conducted by biodex in order to determine maximum concentric and eccentric torque as well as functional and conventional ratio of hamstring to quadriceps muscles at velocity of 60 and 180 degrees/second. The results were analyzed at P≤0.05 using analysis of variance with repeated measurements. According to the results, 15 minutes after stretching exercise, the maximum extrinsic torque of hamstring decreased significantly in dynamic status. No significant difference was shown in current strength ratio of hamstring to quadriceps after doing stretching exercise in static and dynamic states, however, significant decrease in functional ratio in dynamic state compared to static state was found (P≤0.05). It seems, although a 15- minute passive rest could reduce some undesirable effects of static stretching exercises, the dynamic stretching exercises should be recommended cautiously.

Keywords

Main Subjects

  1. Ayala F, de Ste Croix M, Sainz de Baranda P, Santonja F. Acute effects of static and dynamic stretching on hamstring eccentric isokinetic strength and unilateral hamstring to quadriceps strength ratios. Journal of Sports Sciences. 2013;31(8):831-9.
  2. Gleim GW, McHugh MP. Flexibility and its effects on sports injury and performance. Sports Medicine. 1997;24(5):289-99.
  3. Power K, Behm D, Cahill F, Carroll M, Young W. An acute bout of static stretching: effects on force and jumping performance. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2004;36(8):1389-96.
  4. Amako M, Oda T, Masuoka K, Yokoi H, Campisi P. Effect of static stretching on prevention of injuries for military recruits. Military medicine. 2003;168(6):442-6.
  5. Stamford B. Sportsmedicine adviser: Flexibility and stretching. The Physician and Sportsmedicine. 1984;12(2):171.
  6. Costa P, Ryan E, Herda T, Walter A, Defreitas J, Stout J, et al. Acute effects of static stretching on peak torque and the hamstrings‐to‐quadriceps conventional and functional ratios. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. 2013;23(1):38-45.
  7. Behm DG, Kibele A. Effects of differing intensities of static stretching on jump performance. European Journal of Applied Physiology. 2007;101(5):587-94.
  8. Beedle B, Rytter SJ, Healy RC, Ward TR. Pretesting static and dynamic stretching does not affect maximal strength. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 2008;22(6):1838-43.
  9. Behm DG, Bradbury EE, Haynes AT, Hodder JN, Leonard AM, Paddock NR. Flexibility is not related to stretch-induced deficits in force or power. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine. 2006;5(1):33.
  10. Nelson AG, Kokkonen J, Eldredge C. Strength inhibition following an acute stretch is not limited to novice stretchers. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport. 2005;76(4):500-6.
  11. Papadopoulos G, Siatras T, Kellis S. The effect of static and dynamic stretching exercises on the maximal isokinetic strength of the knee extensors and flexors. Isokinetics and Exercise Science. 2005;13(4):28-291.
  12. Little T, Williams AG. Effects of differential stretching protocols during warm-ups on high-speed motor capacities in professional soccer players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2006;20(1):203-237.
  13. McMillian DJ, Moore JH, Hatler BS, Taylor DC. Dynamic vs. static-stretching warm up: the effect on power and agility performance. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 2006;20(3):492-9.
  14. Costa PB, Herda TJ, Herda AA, Cramer JT. Effects of dynamic stretching on strength, muscle imbalance, and muscle activation. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2014;46(3):586-93.
  15. Woods K, Bishop P, Jones E. Warm-up and stretching in the prevention of muscular injury. Sports Medicine. 2007;37(12):1089-99.
  16. Jenkins WL, Killian CB, Williams Iii D, Loudon J, Raedeke SG. Anterior cruciate ligament injury in female and male athletes: the relationship between foot structure and injury. Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association. 2007;97(5):371-6.
  17. Yeung SS, Suen AM, Yeung EW. A prospective cohort study of hamstring injuries in competitive sprinters: preseason muscle imbalance as a possible risk factor. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2009;43(8):589-94.
  18. Sekir U, Arabaci R, Akova B, Kadagan S. Acute effects of static and dynamic stretching on leg flexor and extensor isokinetic strength in elite women athletes. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. 2010;20(2):268-81.
  19. White KK, Lee SS, Cutuk A, Hargens AR, Pedowitz RA. EMG power spectra of intercollegiate athletes and anterior cruciate ligament injury risk in females. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 2003;35(3):371-6.
  20. Nelson AG, Kokkonen J. Acute ballistic muscle stretching inhibits maximal strength performance. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport. 2001;72(4):415-9.
  21. Franco BL, Signorelli GR, Trajano GS, de Oliveira CG. Acute effects of different stretching exercises on muscular endurance. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 2008;22(6):1832-7.
  22. Costa P, Ryan E, Herda T, DeFreitas J, Beck T, Cramer JT. Effects of stretching on peak torque and the H: Q ratio. International Journal of Sports Medicine. 2009;30(01):60-5.
  23. Herda TJ, Herda ND, Costa PB, Walter-Herda AA, Valdez AM, Cramer JT. The effects of dynamic stretching on the passive properties of the muscle-tendon unit. Journal of Sports Sciences. 2013;31(5):479-87.
  24. Cramer JT, Housh TJ, Johnson GO, Miller JM, Coburn JW, Beck TW. Acute effects of static stretching on peak torque in women. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 2004;18(2):236-41.
  25. Kubo K, Kanehisa H, Kawakami Y, Fukunaga T. Influence of static stretching on viscoelastic properties of human tendon structures in vivo. Journal of Applied Physiology. 2001;90(2):520-7.
  26. Fowles J, Sale D, MacDougall J. Reduced strength after passive stretch of the human plantarflexors. Journal of Applied Physiology. 2000;89(3):1179-88.
  27. Cramer JT, Housh TJ, Coburn JW, Beck TW, Johnson GO. Acute effects of static stretching on maximal eccentric torque production in women. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2006;20(2):354-8.
  28. Cramer JT, Housh TJ, Johnson GO, Weir JP, Beck TW, Coburn JW. An acute bout of static stretching does not affect maximal eccentric isokinetic peak torque, the joint angle at peak torque, mean power, electromyography, or mechanomyography. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 2007;37(3):130-9.
  29. Sugiura Y, Saito T, Sakuraba K, Sakuma K, Suzuki E. Strength deficits identified with concentric action of the hip extensors and eccentric action of the hamstrings predispose to hamstring injury in elite sprinters. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 2008;38(8):457-64.
  30. Zakas A, Doganis G, Zakas N, Vergou A. Acute effects of active warm-up and stretching on the flexibility of elderly women. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness. 2006;46(4):617.