Key result
Static stretching decreases passive stiffness and increases peak extension angle without altering peak torque.
Why the study?
The study investigated the effects of a 4-week static stretching program on isokinetic and isometric knee flexor peak torque and angle of peak torque.
Does a 4-week static stretching program alter hamstring strength and stiffness in healthy men?
RCT (n=30)
Does a 4-week static stretching program alter hamstring strength and stiffness in healthy men?
A 4-week static stretching program decreases hamstring stiffness and alters the angle of peak torque without changing peak torque itself.
Supports static stretching to reduce hamstring stiffness without strength loss in healthy men; extends RCT evidence on torque-angle adaptations.
Nakao, S, Ikezoe, T, Nakamura, M, Umegaki, H, Fujita, K, Umehara, J, Kobayashi, T, Ibuki, S, and Ichihashi, N. Chronic effects of a static stretching program on hamstring strength. J Strength Cond Res 35(7): 1924-1929, 2021-This study investigated the effects of a 4-week static stretching (SS) program on isokinetic and isometric knee flexor peak torque and angle of peak torque. Thirty healthy men (age, 22.7 ± 2.2 years) were randomized to receive either of the following: (a) a 4-week stretch intervention for the hamstrings (SS intervention group; n = 15) or (b) no intervention (control group; n = 15). The maximum pain-free knee angle, passive stiffness, which was determined by a slope of torque-angle curve, isometric and isokinetic (at 60°·s-1 and 180°·s-1) peak torque, and angle of peak torque for knee flexors were measured before and after 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, passive stiffness decreased significantly in the intervention group. There were no significant changes in isometric and isokinetic (neither at 60°·s-1 nor at 180°·s-1) peak torque, or angle of peak torque at 180°·s-1. A significantly increased peak extension angle at 60°·s-1 was observed in the intervention group. These results suggest that SS intervention is effective for decreasing musculotendinous unit stiffness of the hamstrings and that an SS program influences the angle of peak torque, whereas no significant changes occur in peak torque. Because a previous study suggests that angle of peak torque is associated with hamstring strain injuries, the results of this study would be helpful when considering the training program for preventing or treating hamstring strain injuries.
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Nakao et al. (2019) conducted an RCT in Healthy (n=30). Static stretching (SS) program for the hamstrings vs. No intervention was evaluated on Isokinetic and isometric knee flexor peak torque and angle of peak torque.
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