Abstract
The different effects of intermittent and continuous stretching on the mechanical properties of the musculotendinous complex have been unclear. This study aimed to compare the effects of intermittent and continuous stretching for the same duration on the range of motion (ROM), passive resistive torque (PRT), and musculotendinous stiffness (MTS) of ankle plantar flexors. Eighteen healthy young men participated in the study. Intermittent (four sets × 30 s) and continuous stretching (one set × 120 s) were performed in random orders on two separate days. Both stretching protocols were conducted using a dynamometer with a constant torque applied. ROM and PRT were determined using a dynamometer, and MTS was calculated using the torque–angle relationship measured before and after stretching. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance was performed for all parameters. Both intermittent and continuous stretching significantly increased ROM and decreased PRT and MTS (p < 0.05). Intermittent stretching led to greater changes in ROM and PRT than continuous stretching. However, the reduction in MTS did not differ between the two conditions. These results suggest that intermittent stretching is more effective in increasing ROM and changing the mechanical properties of the musculotendinous complex.
Highlights
Static stretching (SS) increases range of motion (ROM) and reduces musculotendinous stiffness (MTS) [1]
ROM was significantly increased after intermittent stretching protocol (INT) (ES = 0.42; p < 0.01) and continuous stretching protocol (CON)
The present study investigated differences in the effects of INT and CON on the ROM, passive resistive torque (PRT), and MTS of ankle plantar flexors based on a duration-matched protocol
Summary
Static stretching (SS) increases range of motion (ROM) and reduces musculotendinous stiffness (MTS) [1]. SS involves holding a muscle group at an end range of motion (ROM) for a certain time. The total stretch duration is considered an important factor affecting the ROM increase and MTS reduction [2,3]. Any comparison of INT and CON was reported with the maximum ROM change as an outcome [4,5,6,7], and the results were not consistent, even though the total duration was the same. The ROM measurement comprises sensory effects, such as the pain threshold, stretch tolerance, and reflex activation of agonist muscles [8], as well as mechanical effects [9]
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