Nelson, A. G., & Kokkonen, J. (2001). Acute ballistic muscle stretching inhibits maximal strength performance. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 72, 415-419.

Male (N = 11) and female (N = 11) physical education class students were tested for knee flexion and extension strength (1 RM) on two days. One test was preceded by quiet sitting, while the other was preceded by active and passive ballistic stretching of the hip, thigh, and calf muscles.

Stretching increased hip flexibility as measured by a sit-and-reach test. Knee extension and flexion strength was significantly less after stretching than after no stretching.

Implication. A thorough bout of stretching reduces the strength of the muscles stretched.

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