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The effects of stretching on strength performance
Ercole C Rubini1, André L L Costa, Paulo S C Gomes
1Universidade Estácio de Sá, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.)
|March 1, 2007
Summary
Stretching before strength training may decrease performance, especially with longer durations. More research is needed to understand the effects of stretching on strength and injury prevention.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Strength and flexibility are key exercise components, but optimal integration is unclear.
- Pre-exercise stretching is common practice despite lacking scientific evidence for injury prevention or performance enhancement.
- Existing recommendations for stretching lack robust scientific backing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the acute and chronic effects of stretching on strength performance.
- To investigate the underlying physiological mechanisms of stretching's impact on strength.
- To evaluate the evidence supporting stretching for injury prevention and performance enhancement.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing scientific literature on stretching and strength performance.
- Analysis of studies examining acute and chronic effects of various stretching protocols.
- Examination of proposed mechanisms linking stretching to strength outcomes.
Main Results:
- Most studies indicate acute decreases in strength following stretching.
- Strength decrements appear more pronounced with longer stretching durations, higher repetitions, and sets.
- Current research protocols often exceed typical stretching recommendations, necessitating further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Pre-exercise stretching may negatively impact acute strength performance.
- The evidence for stretching preventing injury or enhancing performance is not well-supported.
- Further research is required to clarify the mechanisms and optimal application of stretching in training programs, considering safety and time efficiency.
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