Christiansen, C. L., & Heise, G. D. (2006). The acute effects of static stretching on human hopping performance. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 38(5), Supplement abstract 1686.

This study determined the acute effects of static stretching on performance measurements of a bouncing gait represented by bipedal hopping. One group of static stretching (N = 12) and one no-stretching control group (N = 12) were formed. Plantar-flexor muscle activity, active ankle joint stiffness (kA), and leg stiffness (kL) were measured during preferred-height hopping.

Active dorsiflexion was significantly increased in the stretching group when compared to the control. In the hopping activity, there were no differences between the groups in any variables.

Implication. Static stretching has no beneficial or detrimental effect on hopping performance.

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