Sex differences in stretch-induced hypertrophy, maximal strength and flexibility gains

Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

Authors

  • Konstantin Warneke
  • Astrid Zech
  • Carl Maximilian Wagner
  • Andreas Konrad
  • Masatoshi Nakamura
  • Michael Keiner
  • Brad J. Schoenfeld
  • David George Behm

Introduction: If the aim is to increase maximal strength (MSt) and muscle mass, resistance training (RT) is primarily used to achieve these outcomes. However, research indicates that long-duration stretching sessions of up to 2 h per day can also provide sufficient stimuli to induce muscle growth. In RT literature, sex-related differences in adaptations are widely discussed, however, there is a lack of evidence addressing the sex-related effects on MSt and muscle thickness (MTh) of longer duration stretch training. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of 6 weeks of daily (1 h) unilateral static stretch training of the plantar flexors using a calf-muscle stretching device. Methods: Fifty-five healthy (m = 28, f = 27), active participants joined the study. MSt and range of motion (ROM) were measured with extended and flexed knee joint, and MTh was investigated in the medial and lateral heads of the gastrocnemius. Results: Statistically significant increases in MSt of 6%–15% (p <.001–.049, d = 0.45–1.09), ROM of 6%–21% (p <.001–.037, d = 0.47–1.38) and MTh of 4%–14% (p <.001–.005, d = 0.46–0.72) from pre-to post-test were observed, considering both sexes and both legs. Furthermore, there was a significant higher increase in MSt, MTh and ROM in male participants. In both groups, participants showed more pronounced adaptations in MSt and ROM with an extended knee joint as well as MTh in the medial head of the gastrocnemius (p <.001–.047). Results for relative MSt increases showed a similar result (p <.001–.036, d = 0.48–1.03). Discussion: Results are in accordance with previous studies pointing out significant increases of MSt, MTh and ROM due to long duration static stretch training. Both sexes showed significant increases in listed parameters however, male participants showed superior increases.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1078301
JournalFrontiers in Physiology
Volume13
Number of pages13
ISSN1664-042X
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 04.01.2023

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
Copyright © 2023 Warneke, Zech, Wagner, Konrad, Nakamura, Keiner, Schoenfeld and Behm.

Recently viewed

Publications

  1. Scale Misfit in Ecosystem Service Governance as a Source of Environmental Conflict
  2. Das Interface der Selbstverborgenheit
  3. Neue Lektürefreuden
  4. Are all politicians the same? Reproduction and change of chief executive career patterns in democratic regimes
  5. Bis in den Kern
  6. Manipulative and Recruitment Strategies in Boko Haram Terrorist Statements
  7. Molnar, Paul D.: Thomas F. Torrance – Theologian of the Trinity. Farnham: Ashgate 2009
  8. Tree species richness promotes an early increase of stand structural complexity in young subtropical plantations
  9. Insensible and Inexplicable
  10. Ready for take off
  11. The aftermath of colonization and forms of transactions between agriculture and industry - Exchange relations between industrialized and developing countries in the world economy of tobacco
  12. Building a digital anchor
  13. Schwebende Infrastrukturen
  14. Are We Discovering or Making Concepts? Performativity in Concept Defining
  15. Did Descriptive and Prescriptive Norms About Gender Equality at Home Change During the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Cross-National Investigation
  16. Transitions and Old Age Potential
  17. Two types of ‘enough’
  18. Environmental Shareholder Value
  19. Modelling Interdependencies Within Production Planning and Control
  20. Community and Training in NFDI4DS
  21. Interview mit Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Thomas Schomerus
  22. Grain refinement of Mg-Al alloys by carbon inoculation
  23. Video
  24. Semi-infinite Optimierung
  25. How do conflicts impact change in family businesses?
  26. Improvement of GC sensitivity for polar and nonpolar PAHs by using a deactivated liner
  27. Inquiry-based learning in sustainability science