Comparison of the effects of long-lasting static stretching and hypertrophy training on maximal strength, muscle thickness and flexibility in the plantar flexors

Publikation: Beiträge in ZeitschriftenZeitschriftenaufsätzeForschungbegutachtet

Authors

Maximal strength measured via maximal voluntary contraction is known as a key factor in competitive sports performance as well as injury risk reduction and rehabilitation. Maximal strength and hypertrophy are commonly trained by performing resistance training programs. However, literature shows that long-term, long-lasting static stretching interventions can also produce significant improvements in maximal voluntary contraction. The aim of this study is to compare increases in maximal voluntary contraction, muscle thickness and flexibility after 6 weeks of stretch training and conventional hypertrophy training. Sixty-nine (69) active participants (f = 30, m = 39; age 27.4 ± 4.4 years, height 175.8 ± 2.1 cm, and weight 79.5 ± 5.9 kg) were divided into three groups: IG1 stretched the plantar flexors continuously for one hour per day, IG2 performed hypertrophy training for the plantar flexors (5 × 10–12 reps, three days per week), while CG did not undergo any intervention. Maximal voluntary contraction, muscle thickness, pennation angle and flexibility were the dependent variables. The results of a series of two-way ANOVAs show significant interaction effects (p < 0.05) for maximal voluntary contraction (ƞ2 = 0.143–0.32, p < 0.006), muscle thickness (ƞ2 = 0.11–0.14, p < 0.021), pennation angle (ƞ2 = 0.002–0.08, p = 0.077–0.625) and flexibility (ƞ2 = 0.089–0.21, p < 0.046) for both the stretch and hypertrophy training group without significant differences (p = 0.37–0.99, d = 0.03–0.4) between both intervention groups. Thus, it can be hypothesized that mechanical tension plays a crucial role in improving maximal voluntary contraction and muscle thickness irrespective whether long-lasting stretching or hypertrophy training is used. Results show that for the calf muscle, the use of long-lasting stretching interventions can be deemed an alternative to conventional resistance training if the aim is to increase maximal voluntary contraction, muscle thickness and flexibility. However, the practical application seems to be strongly limited as a weekly stretching duration of up to 7 h a week is opposed by 3 × 15 min of common resistance training.

OriginalspracheEnglisch
ZeitschriftEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology
Jahrgang123
Ausgabenummer8
Seiten (von - bis)1773-1787
Anzahl der Seiten15
ISSN1439-6319
DOIs
PublikationsstatusErschienen - 08.2023

Bibliographische Notiz

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023, The Author(s).

DOI

Zuletzt angesehen

Publikationen

  1. Toward a Kaleidoscopic Understanding of Anonymity
  2. How stable are visions for protected area management? Stakeholder perspectives before and during a pandemic
  3. Interactivity, Interpassivity and Possibilities Beyond Dichotomy
  4. Norms Matter! the role of international norms in EU policies on asylum and immigration
  5. Ästhetische Operationen
  6. Foraging wireworms are attracted to root-produced volatile aldehydes
  7. A synthesis of convergent reflections, tensions and silences in linking gender and global environmental change research
  8. Nichts wie weg
  9. Kinects Bühne
  10. Correlation of six anthropogenic markers in wastewater, surface water, bank filtrate, and soil aquifer treatment
  11. Umkleidekabine
  12. Doppelte Asymmetrie und Probleme des Machtwechsels
  13. The effects of habitat changes on the endangered ground beetle Carabus nitens (Coleoptera Carabidae)
  14. Pathways to water sustainability? A global study assessing the benefits of integrated water resources management
  15. Solid solution treatment on strength and corrosion of biodegradable Mg6Ag wires
  16. Die Kostenrechnung als Informationssystem der Unternehmensführung
  17. Valorization of organic residues for the production of added value chemicals
  18. Cold season ammonia emissions from land spreading with anaerobic digestates from biogas production
  19. Free Ensembles and Small (Chamber) Orchestras as Innovative Drivers of Classical Music in Germany
  20. Cabinet Reshuffles in Parliamentary Democracies
  21. Smart homes and the control of indoor air quality
  22. § 285 Herausgabe des Ersatzes
  23. Setting the research agenda for measuring sustainability performance