Exploring Shank Circumference by Stretching after Training among Volleyball Players.

Yi-Lang Chen,Wei-Chen Hsu,Ting-Yo Yei,Chun-Ju Yang,Fang-Min Tsai

doi:10.3390/ijerph18168849

Abstract

This preliminary study examined the effects of a stretching intervention after training and its duration (15 vs. 30 min) on participants’ shank circumference (SC) reduction and subjective discomfort score. Ten male volleyball players underwent a routine 3 h training. A two-way analysis of variance revealed that the stretching intervention had significant effects on SC reduction (p < 0.01) and subjective discomfort scores (p < 0.001). Stretching after training could help eliminate shank strain, and a slighter discomfort in shanks when stretching was also seen (score, 20.1/100). An independent-samples t test revealed a significantly higher SC reduction (p < 0.01) with 30 min of stretching (5.6 mm) than with 15 min of stretching (2.7 mm); both stretching durations reduced SC significantly more than the no-stretching condition did. The findings of this study can serve as a reference for volleyball players to alleviate shank strain after daily routine training.

Highlights

Public Health 2021, 18, 8849.Many athletes experience muscle soreness after intense exercise
(p < 0.05) significantly reduced shank circumference (SC) (Table 1), and stretching for 30 min was associated with (p < 0.05) significantly reduced SC (Table 1), and stretching for 30 min was associated with a high SC reduction (Figure 3)
Discomfort score reported by the stretching group (20.1 [22.0]) was higher than that reported by the score reported by the no-stretching group

Summary

Introduction

Many athletes experience muscle soreness after intense exercise. Intensive muscle contractions (e.g., eccentric exercise) cause damage to muscle fibers [1] and may result in delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) [2,3,4]. Abruptly jump repeatedly, and change direction quickly, all of which involve intense eccentric muscle contractions. This intense muscular work can cause fatigue and affect players’ performance [7]. The recovery modalities utilized after volleyball competition or training become important in preventing injury, especially when athletes have little time between intensive trainings or even matches. Even though volleyball is popular worldwide, little research has examined recovery strategies for volleyball players [12]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion