Acute Effects of Static Stretching Duration on Gastrocnemius Muscle Vascularization

An Investigation of Acute Effects of Static Stretching Duration on Gastrocnemius Muscle Vascularization by Superb Microvascular Imaging Method

Stretching effects skeletal muscle flexibility, vascularity and physical performance. The aim of our study is to examine the acute effects of static stretching duration on gastrocnemius muscle vascularization in healthy participants by superb microvascular imaging (SMI) and to compare the effects of 2 and 5 minutes of static stretching on blood flow.

The study will be included 30 healthy volunteers. The participants will be divided into two groups. Static stretching was administered to the gastrocnemius muscle. Stretching applications will be applied to the first group for 2 minutes and to the second group for 5 minutes. Muscle vascularization will be evaluated by a new method, superb microvascular imaging (SMI). SMI is a recently developed ultrasound imaging technique that aims to visualize low velocity and small diameter blood vessel flow.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy volunteers between the ages of 18-35,
• Without knee, hip, ankle and waist pathology,
• Has not undergone any surgery on the lower extremity.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Rheumatic, musculoskeletal, neurological and vestibular problems,
• Bone pathologies,
• Joint laxity,
• Connective tissue disorders
• Diabetes, metabolic syndrome, arthritic or inflammatory problems