Effects of chronic static stretching interventions on jumping and sprinting performance–a systematic review with multilevel meta-analysis

Abstract

When improving athletic performance in sports with high-speed strength demands such as soccer, basketball, or track and field, the most common training method might be resistance training and plyometrics. Since a link between strength capacity and speed strength exists and recently published literature suggested chronic stretching routines may enhance maximum strength and hypertrophy, this review was performed to explore potential benefits on athletic performance. Based on current literature, a beneficial effect of static stretching on jumping and sprinting performance was hypothesized. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science and Google scholar. In general, 14 studies revealed 29 effect sizes (ES) (20 for jumping, nine for sprinting). Subgroup analyses for jump performance were conducted for short- long- and no stretch shortening cycle trials. Qualitative evaluation was supplemented by performing a multilevel meta-analysis via R (Package: metafor). Significant positive results were documented in six out of 20 jump tests and in six out of nine sprint tests, while two studies reported negative adaptations. Quantitative data analyses indicated a positive but trivial magnitude of change on jumping performance (ES:0.16, p = 0.04), while all subgroup analyses did not support a positive effect (p = 0.09–0.44). No significant influence of static stretching on sprint performance was obtained (p = 0.08). Stretching does not seem to induce a sufficient stimulus to meaningfully enhance jumping and sprinting performance, which could possibly attributed to small weekly training volumes or lack of intensity.

Comparison of Supervised versus Self-Administered Stretching on Bench Press Maximal Strength and Force Development

“…This study was performed to counteract methodological limitations described by Schoenfeld et al [22] and others [5,6,14], indicating that long stretching durations were impractical. While increasing strength may potentially be particularly relevant for sportspecific tasks such as jumping and sprinting [46], or ball throwing velocity in handball [47], a recently published systematic review did not find stretch-induced performance enhancement [48], which seems in accordance with the lack of results for the rate of force development and explosive strength parameters obtained in the current study [15]. Furthermore, in rehabilitation, there is a high relevance of restoring muscle strength after prolonged phases of immobilization [49] or reduced physical activity.…”