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Effects of active individual muscle stretching on muscle function
Kouichi Nakamura1, Takayuki Kodama2, Yoshito Mukaino3
1Department of Physical Therapy, Fukuoka Wajiro Rehabilitation College, Japan ; Faculty of Sports and Health Science, Fukuoka University, Japan.
Active individual muscle stretching (AID) increased flexibility but temporarily decreased muscle strength in healthy male students. Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects and implications for athletic performance.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Human Physiology
- Kinesiology
Background:
- Muscle function is crucial for athletic performance and daily activities.
- Understanding the effects of different stretching protocols on muscle function is essential for optimizing training and injury prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of active individual muscle stretching (AID) on muscle function.
- To assess changes in flexibility and muscle strength following an AID intervention.
Main Methods:
- Forty healthy male students were divided into an AID group and a control group.
- Muscle function was evaluated using a goniometer and Cybex equipment before and after the intervention.
- The AID group performed specific stretching exercises, while the control group did not.
Main Results:
- The AID group exhibited a significant increase in muscle flexibility.
- A significant decrease in muscle strength output was observed in the AID group post-stretching.
- No significant changes in muscle function were noted in the control group.
Conclusions:
- Active individual muscle stretching leads to enhanced flexibility.
- There is a temporary reduction in muscle strength output immediately following AID.
- These findings suggest a potential trade-off between flexibility and strength after stretching, with implications for exercise programming.
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