PubData Leuphana Repository: Effects of daily static stretch training over 6 weeks on maximal strength, muscle thickness, contraction properties, and flexibility

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://doi.org/10.48548/pubdata-1419

Resource type	Journal Article
Title(s)	Effects of daily static stretch training over 6 weeks on maximal strength, muscle thickness, contraction properties, and flexibility
DOI	10.48548/pubdata-1419
Handle	20.500.14123/1488
Creator	Wohlann, Tim 0000-0003-4924-1561 Warneke, Konstantin 0000-0003-4964-2867 Hillebrecht, Martin 139928820 Petersmann, Astrid 132097915 Ferrauti, Alexander 0000-0001-9807-2755 Schiemann, Stephan 0000-0002-0703-8509 131474332
Abstract	Purpose: Static stretch training (SST) with long stretching durations seems to be sufficient to increase flexibility, maximum strength (MSt) and muscle thickness (MTh). However, changes in contraction properties and effects on muscle damage remain unclear. Consequently, the objective of the study was to investigate the effects of a 6-week self-performed SST on MSt, MTh, contractile properties, flexibility, and acute response of creatine kinase (CK) 3 days after SST. Methods: Forty-four participants were divided into a control (CG, n = 22) and an intervention group (IG, n = 22), who performed a daily SST for 5 min for the lower limb muscle group. While isometric MSt was measured in leg press, MTh was examined via sonography and flexibility by functional tests. Muscle stiffness and contraction time were measured by tensiomyography on the rectus femoris. Additionally, capillary blood samples were taken in the pretest and in the first 3 days after starting SST to measure CK. Results: A significant increase was found for MSt (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.195) and flexibility in all functional tests (p < 0.001, η2 > 0.310). Scheffé post hoc test did not show significant differences between the rectus femoris muscle inter- and intragroup comparisons for MTh nor for muscle stiffness and contraction time (p > 0.05, η2 < 0.100). Moreover, CK was not significantly different between IG and CG with p > 0.05, η2 = 0.032. Discussion: In conclusion, the increase in MSt cannot be exclusively explained by muscular hypertrophy or the increased CK-related repair mechanism after acute stretching. Rather, neuronal adaptations have to be considered. Furthermore, daily 5-min SST over 6 weeks does not seem sufficient to change muscle stiffness or contraction time. Increases in flexibility tests could be attributed to a stretch-induced change in the muscle–tendon complex.
Language	English
Keywords	Static Stretching; Maximal Strength; Hypertrophy; Muscle; Damage; Contraction; Stiffness
Year of publication in PubData	2024
Publishing type	Parallel publication
Publication version	Published version
Date issued	2023-04-17
Creation context	Research
Notes	This publication was funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG).
Published by	Medien- und Informationszentrum, Leuphana Universität Lüneburg
Related resources	Relations of this publication Relations of this publication

Information regarding first publication

Field	Value
Resource type	Journal
Title of the resource type	Frontiers in Sports and Active Living
Identifier	DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1139065
Publication year	2023
Volume	5
Number	1139065
Number type	Article
Publisher	Frontiers