A single session of static, ballistic, or PNF stretching significantly increased range of motion by 3.5-4.5% and decreased muscle-tendon stiffness, with no clinically relevant differences between methods.
RCT (n=122)
Single-blind
Randomly assigned by picking cards
No
Does a single static, ballistic, or PNF stretching exercise improve muscle-tendon parameters in volunteers?
A single bout of static, ballistic, or PNF stretching similarly increases range of motion and decreases passive resistive torque and muscle-tendon stiffness by making muscle tissue more compliant.
p-value: p=0.03
The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of a single static, ballistic, or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching exercise on the various muscle-tendon parameters of the lower leg and to detect possible differences in the effects between the methods. Volunteers (n = 122) were randomly divided into static, ballistic, and PNF stretching groups and a control group. Before and after the 4 × 30 s stretching intervention, we determined the maximum dorsiflexion range of motion (RoM) with the corresponding fascicle length and pennation angle of the gastrocnemius medialis. Passive resistive torque (PRT) and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) were measured with a dynamometer. Observation of muscle-tendon junction (MTJ) displacement with ultrasound allowed us to determine the length changes in the tendon and muscle, respectively, and hence to calculate stiffness. Although RoM increased (static: +4.3%, ballistic: +4.5%, PNF: +3.5%), PRT (static: -11.4%, ballistic: -11.5%, PNF: -13,7%), muscle stiffness (static: -13.1%, ballistic: -20.3%, PNF: -20.2%), and muscle-tendon stiffness (static: -11.3%, ballistic: -10.5%, PNF: -13.7%) decreased significantly in all the stretching groups. Only in the PNF stretching group, the pennation angle in the stretched position (-4.2%) and plantar flexor MVC (-4.6%) decreased significantly. Multivariate analysis showed no clinically relevant difference between the stretching groups. The increase in RoM and the decrease in PRT and muscle-tendon stiffness could be explained by more compliant muscle tissue following a single static, ballistic, or PNF stretching exercise.
Konrad et al. (Fri,) conducted a rct in Healthy volunteers (n=122). Static, ballistic, or PNF stretching vs. No intervention (rest) was evaluated on Increase in maximum dorsiflexion range of motion (RoM) (p=0.03). A single session of static, ballistic, or PNF stretching significantly increased range of motion by 3.5-4.5% and decreased muscle-tendon stiffness, with no clinically relevant differences between methods.