LaRoche, D. P., Lussier, M., & Roy, S. (2006). Effects of 4 weeks of stretching on active torque development. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 38(5), Supplement abstract 1672.

This study determined if muscle force, power, and optimum length are affected by four weeks of static or ballistic stretching. Recreationally active males (N = 29) with no flexibility training in the previous six months served as Ss. Prior to completing the stretching program and following habituation, measures of peak torque, rate of torque development, work, and peak torque angle were assessed in the hip extensors. All measures were completed on an isokinetic dynamometer at 60 deg/s and involved hip extension from a flexed position. Ss completed four weeks of either static or ballistic flexibility training of the hip extensors for a total stretching duration of 3,600 seconds. A control group did not perform stretching. Following the training and two days without stretching, assessment of active torque development was repeated.

After training, peak torque, work, rate of torque development, and peak torque angle increased in all groups with no significant differences between groups.

Implication. Flexibility training (static or ballistic) has no beneficial effect on active torque development. The training effect is equivalent to that recorded by no flexibility training.

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