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Updated: May 3, 2026
A Novel Stretching Platform for Applications in Cell and Tissue Mechanobiology
Published on: June 3, 2014
How does static stretching influence the tendons mechanical response?
Nathalia Polisello Rossetto1, Inácio Maria Dal Fabbro1, Sérgio Rocha Piedade1
1Sport and e Exercise and Sports Medicine of School of Medical Scineces of State University of Campinas - Unicamp. Campinas, SP, Brazil.
Objective:
Analyze in vitro the mechanical response of bovine calcaneus tendons subjected to static stretching in three different intervals (15, 30, 45 s).
Methods:
Six groups of bovine calcaneus tendons (n=10) were formed according to the static stretching protocol: three different intervals (15, 30, 45 s) and initial stretching percentage (2.5% and 3.5%). The control group (n=10) did not perform prior stretching. At the end of the stretching tests, the specimens were subjected to stress rupture tests.
Results:
The values for force relaxation presented stability after the 30(th) second (p<0.0001) at both levels of deformation. Greater force relaxation (p<0.0026) and the least tensile strength (p=0.0123) was observed in the group that was subjected to the highest stretch percentage (3.5%). No difference was observed between the rupture parameters of the stretch and control groups. The variables, stretch duration and percentage did not demonstrate interaction.
Conclusion:
In relation to force relaxation, the 30 second interval seems to be the most effective when stretching tendons. This fact should be considered when establishing new clinical stretching protocols. Laboratory investigation.
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