Effects of Intermittent and Continuous Static Stretching on Range of Motion and Musculotendinous Viscoelastic Properties Based on a Duration-Matched Protocol

Kensuke Oba, Mina Samukawa, Yosuke Abe, Yukino Suzuki, Miho Komatsuzaki, Satoshi Kasahara, Tomoya Ishida and Harukazu Tohyama
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Kensuke Oba: Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
Mina Samukawa: Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
Yosuke Abe: Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
Yukino Suzuki: Department of Rehabilitation, Hokushin Orthopaedic Hospital, Sapporo 060-0908, Japan
Miho Komatsuzaki: Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
Satoshi Kasahara: Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
Tomoya Ishida: Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
Harukazu Tohyama: Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 20, 1-7

Abstract: The different effects of intermittent and continuous stretching on the mechanical properties of the musculotendinous complex have been unclear. This study aimed to compare the effects of intermittent and continuous stretching for the same duration on the range of motion (ROM), passive resistive torque (PRT), and musculotendinous stiffness (MTS) of ankle plantar flexors. Eighteen healthy young men participated in the study. Intermittent (four sets × 30 s) and continuous stretching (one set × 120 s) were performed in random orders on two separate days. Both stretching protocols were conducted using a dynamometer with a constant torque applied. ROM and PRT were determined using a dynamometer, and MTS was calculated using the torque–angle relationship measured before and after stretching. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance was performed for all parameters. Both intermittent and continuous stretching significantly increased ROM and decreased PRT and MTS ( p < 0.05). Intermittent stretching led to greater changes in ROM and PRT than continuous stretching. However, the reduction in MTS did not differ between the two conditions. These results suggest that intermittent stretching is more effective in increasing ROM and changing the mechanical properties of the musculotendinous complex.

Keywords: ankle; joint flexibility; stiffness; constant torque stretching; passive resistive torque (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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