Effects of static stretching programs performed at different volume-equated weekly frequencies on passive properties of muscle–tendon unit

Abstract

Whether static stretching (SS) frequency has an effect on increasing the range of motion (ROM) and decreasing muscle stiffness remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of two 6-week SS programs performed with different frequencies but generally the same duration of stretching on the passive properties of the medial gastrocnemius muscle–tendon unit. The study participants comprised 24 male volunteers randomly assigned to either the one-time/week group or the three-times/week group, performing 6 min of SS once per week and 2 min of SS thrice per week, respectively. The dorsiflexion ROM (DF ROM) and muscle stiffness of the medial gastrocnemius during passive ankle dorsiflexion were assessed using a dynamometer and ultrasonography before and after 6 weeks of SS programs. The results show that the DF ROM was increased and muscle stiffness was decreased significantly in the three-times/week group (P < 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively), whereas no significant changes were observed in DF ROM and muscle stiffness in the one-time per week group (P = 0.25 and P = 0.32, respectively). These results suggest that a high-frequency SS program is more effective than a low-frequency SS program in increasing ROM and decreasing muscle stiffness.