Time Based Effects of Different Duration Stretching on Calf Muscle Strength

Time-based Effects of Different Duration Stretching on Calf Muscle Strength

Stretching is reported to decrease muscle strength and thus suggested to be avoided prior to athletic events but with conflicting reports. This time course study aimed to assess acute effects of static stretching of different durations on isometric maximum voluntary contraction force of calf muscle.

Stretching is reported to decrease muscle strength and thus suggested to be avoided prior to athletic events but with conflicting reports. This time course study aimed to assess acute effects of static stretching of different durations on isometric maximum voluntary contraction force of calf muscle. Pretest posttest experimental design was used. 14 subjects participated in three experimental trials: Static stretching for 2 minutes (SS2), static stretching for 4 minutes (SS4), and static stretching for 8 minutes (SS8). Strength was measured before (pre), immediately after (post), and at 10- and 20- minutes post stretching. Each static stretching (SS) trial involved varied repetitions of 30-seconds self-stretches and 20-seconds relax periods.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subjects performed active foot dorsiflexion in long sitting position with back supported against wall and those having not more than 20-degree range of motion were selected
• Used to engage in 1 to 5 hours of physical activity per week

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subjects having any current injury or limits in range of motion specific to lower limb joints
• Current neuromuscular disease
• Competitive athletes were excluded from the study