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Muscle Imbalances: Testing and Training Functional Eccentric Hamstring Strength in Athletic Populations
Published on: May 1, 2018
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Viscoelastic stress relaxation in the hamstrings before and after a 10-week stretching program
Gustavo H Peixoto1, Andre G Andrade, Hans J K Menzel
1Laboratory of Biomechanics, Center of Sports Excellence, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos, 6627, Campus Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil.
Muscle & Nerve
|February 7, 2015
Summary
A 10-week hamstring stretching program reduced viscoelastic stress relaxation. Greater intensity or duration may be needed to match pre-stretch levels, indicating altered muscle properties after static stretching.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Musculoskeletal adaptations
- Exercise physiology
Background:
- Investigated viscoelastic stress relaxation in hamstrings.
- Assessed changes before and after a 10-week static stretching program.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the effect of a 10-week hamstring static stretching program on viscoelastic stress relaxation.
- To determine if stretching alters the stress relaxation response.
Main Methods:
- Maximal range of motion (ROMmax) and maximal torque (Torquemax) were measured.
- Six 30-second static stretches were performed, and relative stress relaxation was analyzed.
Main Results:
- ROMmax and Torquemax significantly increased (53% and 82%, respectively).
- Relative stress relaxation (RSR) significantly decreased in the initial repetitions (1-3).
- No significant RSR change was observed in later repetitions (4-6).
Conclusions:
- A 10-week passive static hamstring stretch program reduced RSR.
- Higher stretch intensity or duration might be required to achieve pre-stretch RSR levels.
- Suggests altered viscoelastic properties of the hamstrings post-stretching.
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