Three-week effect of stretching training on lower limb torque and muscle power

Abstract

Investigation about influences between stretching training and muscle strength performance can contribute to the understanding of training. The aim of the present study was to verify the effect of three weeks of stretching training on muscle torque and power. Ten adults, divided into Stretching Group (GA, N = 5) and Control Group (CG, N = 5) were evaluated pre and post intervention. The intervention was performed by GA and consisted of a passive static stretching protocol for the posterior thigh muscles, performed three times a week and during three weeks. The torque and power of the knee extension and flexion were evaluated using an isokinetic dynamometer at three speeds (60, 180 and 360º/s). Range of motion (ROM) was assessed using the sit and reach test. There was an increase in ROM (pre: 23.0 ± 5.6 cm; post: 30.1 ± 6.58 cm; p = 0.033) of GA, but there were no differences between and within groups for the other variables (p> 0.05). There were correlations of the ROM only for the flexion torque (r = 0.664; p = 0.036) and power of the extension (r = 0.638; p = 0.047) of the left knee at 60º/s. It was concluded that three weeks of static stretching training promoted significant gains in ROM, but did not allow increases in torque and power.