Wilson, J. M., Hornbuckle, L. M., Kim, J., Sommer, B. A., Lee, S., Diah, T., Dalmau, B., Mendez, D., & Panton, L. B. (2008). The effects of static stretching on energy cost and endurance performance during treadmill running. ACSM 55th Annual Meeting Indianapolis. Presentation number 699.

This study investigated the effects of static stretching on energy expended and endurance performance. Trained male distance runners (N = 5) reported to the laboratory on three separate days. On day 1, anthropometrics and VO2max were measured. On days 2 and 3, Ss performed a 60-minute treadmill run under stretching and non-stretching conditions in a randomized order separated by at least one week. Stretching consisted of 15 minutes of static stretching using five different exercises for the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves, while non-stretching consisted of 15 minutes of sitting. The run consisted of a 30 min 65% VO2max preload followed by a 30-minute performance run where Ss ran as far as possible without viewing distance or speed. Total calories expended were determined during the preload at 10 and 30 min, while performance was measured as distance covered in the performance run.

Performance was significantly greater in the non-stretching vs. stretching conditions.

Implication. Static stretching prior to an endurance event has a negative effect on the performance of trained runners.

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