David G Behm1, Shahab Alizadeh2, Ben Drury3, Urs Granacher4, Jason Moran5. 1. School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's,, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. dbehm@mun.ca. 2. School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's,, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 3. Department of Applied Sport Sciences, Hartpury University, Gloucester, UK. 4. Division of Training and Movement Science, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany. 5. School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Essex, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Static stretching (SS) can impair performance and increase range of motion of a non-exercised or non-stretched muscle, respectively. An underdeveloped research area is the effect of unilateral stretching on non-local force output. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review was to describe the effects of unilateral SS on contralateral, non-stretched, muscle force and identify gaps in the literature. METHODS: A systematic literature search following preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analyses Protocols guidelines was performed according to prescribed inclusion and exclusion criteria. Weighted means and ranges highlighted the non-local force output response to unilateral stretching. The physiotherapy evidence database scale was used to assess study risk of bias and methodological quality. RESULTS: Unilateral stretching protocols from six studies involved 6.3 ± 2 repetitions of 36.3 ± 7.4 s with 19.3 ± 5.7 s recovery between stretches. The mean stretch-induced force deficits exhibited small magnitude effect sizes for both the stretched (-6.7 ± 7.1%, d = -0.35: 0.01 to -1.8) and contralateral, non-stretched, muscles (-4.0 ± 4.9%, d = , 0.22: 0.08 to 1.1). Control measures exhibited trivial deficits. CONCLUSION: The limited literature examining non-local effects of prolonged SS revealed that both the stretched and contralateral, non-stretched, limbs of young adults demonstrate small magnitude force deficits. However, the frequency of studies with these effects were similar with three measures demonstrating deficits, and four measures showing trivial changes. These results highlight the possible global (non-local) effects of prolonged SS. Further research should investigate effects of lower intensity stretching, upper versus lower body stretching, different age groups, incorporate full warm-ups, and identify predominant mechanisms among others.
BACKGROUND: Static stretching (SS) can impair performance and increase range of motion of a non-exercised or non-stretched muscle, respectively. An underdeveloped research area is the effect of unilateral stretching on non-local force output. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review was to describe the effects of unilateral SS on contralateral, non-stretched, muscle force and identify gaps in the literature. METHODS: A systematic literature search following preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analyses Protocols guidelines was performed according to prescribed inclusion and exclusion criteria. Weighted means and ranges highlighted the non-local force output response to unilateral stretching. The physiotherapy evidence database scale was used to assess study risk of bias and methodological quality. RESULTS: Unilateral stretching protocols from six studies involved 6.3 ± 2 repetitions of 36.3 ± 7.4 s with 19.3 ± 5.7 s recovery between stretches. The mean stretch-induced force deficits exhibited small magnitude effect sizes for both the stretched (-6.7 ± 7.1%, d = -0.35: 0.01 to -1.8) and contralateral, non-stretched, muscles (-4.0 ± 4.9%, d = , 0.22: 0.08 to 1.1). Control measures exhibited trivial deficits. CONCLUSION: The limited literature examining non-local effects of prolonged SS revealed that both the stretched and contralateral, non-stretched, limbs of young adults demonstrate small magnitude force deficits. However, the frequency of studies with these effects were similar with three measures demonstrating deficits, and four measures showing trivial changes. These results highlight the possible global (non-local) effects of prolonged SS. Further research should investigate effects of lower intensity stretching, upper versus lower body stretching, different age groups, incorporate full warm-ups, and identify predominant mechanisms among others.
Keywords:
Crossover; Fatigue; Flexibility; Mental fatigue; Neural inhibition; Power
Authors: David George Behm; Tyler Cavanaugh; Patrick Quigley; Jonathan Christopher Reid; Priscyla Silva Monteiro Nardi; Paulo Henrique Marchetti Journal: Eur J Appl Physiol Date: 2015-09-26 Impact factor: 3.078
Authors: Sarah L Caldwell; Reagan L S Bilodeau; Megan J Cox; Dakota Peddle; Tyler Cavanaugh; James D Young; David G Behm Journal: Eur J Appl Physiol Date: 2019-06-24 Impact factor: 3.078