Effects of inter-set stretching on acute hormonal and metabolic response: a pilot study

Abstract

Purpose. The present study aimed to compare the acute hormonal and metabolic response following a resistance training (rT) session with and without inter-set stretching.

Investigating the Impact of Inter-Set Stretching on Vastus Lateralis Fascicle Dynamics and Knee Extensor Torque during Resistance Training

“…However, the inter-set static stretching method involves breaking longer stretch durations into a series of shorter stretch durations, and the con guration of the minor duration sets did not affect the performance in the present study. Among the six studies scrutinizing the immediate performance effects of inter-set stretching, two encompassed durations surpassing 30 seconds [18,22], while the remaining four involved inter-set stretches lasting ≤ 30 seconds [17,[19][20][21]. Notably, only two of these four studies [19,21] employed an isokinetic protocol.…”

“…Despite inter-set static stretching is frequently utilized as a time-e cient strategy for augmenting skeletal muscle adaptations and functions, such as hypertrophy, exibility, and strength [16] when long-duration stretching is organized into multiple sets of shorter static stretches performed between resistance exercise sets (i.e., inter-set stretching), strength responses exhibit inconsistencies. These investigations, conducted with varying protocols, have demonstrated instances of impaired performance [17][18][19][20] or no discernible disparities when compared with periods of passive rest [21][22]. The observed inconsistencies could be attributed to the diversity in the application of stretching protocols.…”

“…Furthermore, the number of stretching sets encompassed a spectrum from three to seven, resulting in disparate total stretching volumes administered throughout the series. Metrics tied to performance evaluation, such as repetition count [17,20,22], while commonplace in resistance exercise protocols, are in uenced by confounding factors, including compensatory movements, varying velocities, and potential underestimations or overestimations of load percentages. The utilization of isokinetic resistance-based protocols is a potential solution that offers meticulous and dependable assessments of maximal torque output across the entire range of motion, while effectively controlling angular velocity [23].…”

Pre-stretching of the Hamstrings Before Squatting Acutely Increases Biceps Femoris Thickness Without Impairing Exercise Performance

“…The practice of RT can improve flexibility ( Potier et al, 2009 ) especially with the inclusion of stretching exercises ( Junior et al, 2017 ); however, there is limited evidence regarding the use of stretching during RT. Several studies have investigated the acute and chronic responses of agonist muscle stretching on strength, flexibility, hypertrophy, total training volume (TTV), and metabolic stress ( Souza et al, 2013 ; Junior et al, 2017 ; Evangelista et al, 2019 ; Marin et al, 2019 ). Miranda et al (2015) evaluated the effect of antagonist (pectoralis major) muscle stretching, performed during the interset rest period, on seated row performance in resistance trained men.…”