Hamstring Stiffness Returns More Rapidly After Static Stretching Than Range of Motion, Stretch Tolerance, and Isometric Peak Torque

Abstract

The effect of static stretching on passive stiffness of the hamstrings was not maintained as long as the changes in ROM, stretch tolerance, and isometric muscle force. Therefore, frequent stretching is necessary to improve the viscoelasticity of the muscle-tendon unit. Muscle force was decreased for 30 minutes after stretching; this should be considered prior to activities requiring maximal muscle strength.

The Pilot Study of the Immediate Effect of Muscle Energy Technique on Flexibility and Stiffness in Healthy Young Females

“…He concluded that stiffness was lower in females, than males in similar conditions [29]. In fact, stiffness is a biomechanical factor that its basic amount depends on different physiological differences between females and males [30]. Based on the study by Hatano, it seems that passive stiffness is related to viscoelasticity of musculotendinous unit.…”

“…Based on the study by Hatano, it seems that passive stiffness is related to viscoelasticity of musculotendinous unit. In fact, the passive resistance that exists due to the joint movement can be resulted from various factors, but it is mainly attributed to the elastic components around the joint [30]. Lederman stated that the viscoelastic changes on the connective tissue were responsible for the increased flexibility [26].…”

Acute static stretching with different volumes improves hamstring flexibility but not reactive strength index and leg stiffness in well-trained judo athletes

“…Flexibility is an important physiological component of physical fitness (Odunaya et al, 2005), and SS exercises improve flexibility and range of motion (ROM) in various joints (Logan et al, 2018;Cini et al, 2017;Bremner et al, 2015;Tsolakis and Bogdanis, 2012;Odunaya et al, 2005;DePino et al, 2000). Increasing ROM and/or flexibility after SS is explained by decreased passive stiffness of the muscle tendon-unit stiffness (MTS) and increased stretch tolerance (Hatano et al, 2019;Donti et al, 2014). However, some studies reported that SS with different volumes did not improve flexibility or ROM (Heisey et al, 2016;Donti et al, 2014;Hoge et al, 2010;Tsolakis et al, 2010).…”

Time-course changes associated with PA lumbar mobilizations on lumbar and hamstring range of motion: a randomized controlled crossover trial

“…There is a lack of current research into the time course changes of spinal manual therapy for comparison to this study. Hatano et al, [25], reported static stretching of the hamstring can maintain length changes at 30 min post intervention. This study similarly used an asymptomatic population, with measurements of hamstring extensibility taken at 10, 20 or 30 minutes.…”

“…Whilst the mechanisms of action are different, static stretching of the hamstring has been shown to result in prolonged increases in extensibility up to 30 min post intervention [25].…”