STATIC STRETCHING DOES NOT IMPAIR KNEE FLEXOR ISOKINETIC ACTIVITY

Wilson, M., Jones, N. B., Berger, C. G., & Yates, J. W. (2006). Moderate static stretching does not influence torque production of the knee flexors. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 38(5), Supplement abstract 1754.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of static stretching on peak concentric and eccentric torque production in the knee flexors. Ss (M = 15; F = 14) were tested for isokinetic concentric and eccentric peak torque at two velocities (60° and 210°/sec) before and after a three-minute knee flexor static stretching protocol. Ss also underwent a control day in which the isokinetic pre- and post-tests were separated by 15 minutes of sitting rather than stretching. A sit-and-reach test was administered prior to the pre- and post-isokinetic tests on both days to assess changes in flexibility that occurred because of the stretching or control protocols.

Pre-test to post-test changes in peak torque were not significantly different between the stretching and control conditions for either velocity or contraction type.

Implication. Static stretching of the knee flexors prior to maximal isokinetic testing does not lead to diminished concentric or eccentric torque output at slow (60°/sec) or fast (210°/sec) contraction velocities.

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