Abstract
PurposePrevious studies report that static stretching (SS) impairs running economy. Assuming that pacing strategy relies on rate of energy use, this study aimed to determine whether SS would modify pacing strategy and performance in a 3-km running time-trial.MethodsEleven recreational distance runners performed a) a constant-speed running test without previous SS and a maximal incremental treadmill test; b) an anthropometric assessment and a constant-speed running test with previous SS; c) a 3-km time-trial familiarization on an outdoor 400-m track; d and e) two 3-km time-trials, one with SS (experimental situation) and another without (control situation) previous static stretching. The order of the sessions d and e were randomized in a counterbalanced fashion. Sit-and-reach and drop jump tests were performed before the 3-km running time-trial in the control situation and before and after stretching exercises in the SS. Running economy, stride parameters, and electromyographic activity (EMG) of vastus medialis (VM), biceps femoris (BF) and gastrocnemius medialis (GA) were measured during the constant-speed tests.ResultsThe overall running time did not change with condition (SS 11:35±00:31 s; control 11:28±00:41 s, p = 0.304), but the first 100 m was completed at a significantly lower velocity after SS. Surprisingly, SS did not modify the running economy, but the iEMG for the BF (+22.6%, p = 0.031), stride duration (+2.1%, p = 0.053) and range of motion (+11.1%, p = 0.0001) were significantly modified. Drop jump height decreased following SS (−9.2%, p = 0.001).ConclusionStatic stretch impaired neuromuscular function, resulting in a slow start during a 3-km running time-trial, thus demonstrating the fundamental role of the neuromuscular system in the self-selected speed during the initial phase of the race.
Highlights
The manner in which runners distribute their speed during a competition is defined as pacing strategy [1]
No significant differences were observed in the caloric unit cost of running (p = 0.128) or Heart rate (HR) between the conditions (p = 0.317)
The integrated EMG (iEMG) for the biceps femoris (BF) muscle was significantly higher in the static stretching (SS) condition, compared to the control condition (p = 0.031)
Summary
The manner in which runners distribute their speed during a competition is defined as pacing strategy [1]. It has been widely recognized that the pacing strategy adopted by athletes can substantially impact performance in long-distance running [1]. During these competitive events, endurance athletes usually adopt a pacing strategy with a speed distribution consisting of three distinct phases. Endurance athletes usually adopt a pacing strategy with a speed distribution consisting of three distinct phases These phases are characterized by a fast start, followed by a period of slower speed during the middle of the race, and a significant increase in running speed towards the end [2,3]. A fast acceleration relies on the ability to generate high forces, suggesting an importance of neuromuscular system for the start phase [5]
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