Recent studies have suggested that acute static stretching (SS) decreases muscular strength and performance, particularly of the knee extensors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of SS on peak concentric and eccentric torque production in the knee flexors. Subjects (13 women and 16 men) were tested for isokinetic concentric (CON) and eccentric (ECC) peak torque at 2 velocities (60 and 210 degrees x s(-1)) before and after a 3-minute knee flexor SS protocol. Subjects also underwent a control day in which the isokinetic pre- and posttests were separated by 10 minutes of sitting rather than stretching. A sit and reach test was administered on both days to assess changes in flexibility that occurred as a result of the stretching or control protocols. The change in flexibility was significantly greater after stretching than after sitting. Changes in peak torque were not significantly different between the stretching and control conditions for either velocity or contraction type. Compared with the control condition, SS of the knee flexors before maximal isokinetic testing does not lead to significantly diminished CON or ECC torque output at slow or fast contraction velocities. These data suggest that moderate SS does not impact the performance of all muscle groups.

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Elite athletes are presented with significant challenges to their sleep due to the physiological and psychological demands of their sport (Nedelec et al., 2018). Sleep is considered crucial for recovery, overall wellness, and performance, especially among elite athletes (Halson, 2014; Knufinke et al., 2017). PURPOSE:The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between sleep, subjective markers of recovery, and internal training load over a full soccer season (40 weeks). METHODS: Fifteen male elite soccer players provided 5 subjective markers of recovery (muscle soreness, fatigue, physical recovery, stress and energy levels), and sleep variables (quality and quantity), each morning before training on a purpose-built app. Daily, weekly, and chronic internal training load data were calculated, using session Rate of Perceived Exertion (sRPE). Pearson correlation was used to analyse the association between the previous night sleep with the next day's training load and subjective markers of recovery. RESULTS: The results found moderate to strong positive significant correlations (r=0.345-0.611 p=<0.001) between the previous night sleep quality and all 5 subjective markers of recovery, the following morning. A weak positive association was found between sleep quantity and energy levels (r=0.226 p <0.001). No associations were found between sleep quantity and the remaining subjective markers of recovery or between the sleep variables and training load indices. CONCLUSIONS:The results indicate that sleep quality rather than quantity associated with a player's subjective feelings of recovery. As a player's sleep quality improved, their reported subjective feelings of recovery were also improved (i.e. they felt less sore, more recovered, less stressed, more energized, and less fatigued). These results may help athletes and coaches understand the importance of sleep quality and the relationship with recovery, which in turn may help optimize training, preparation, and performance.