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Dynamic Stretching does not Change the Stiffness of the Muscle-Tendon Unit
1Research Center of Health, Physical Fitness and Sports, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan.
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|September 28, 2016
Summary
Dynamic stretching temporarily increases ankle range of motion in healthy subjects. However, it does not alter the muscle-tendon unit
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Dynamic stretching is commonly used to improve joint range of motion.
- Understanding its effects on passive mechanical properties is crucial for optimizing training protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute effects of dynamic stretching on ankle range of motion.
- To assess changes in passive mechanical properties of the muscle-tendon unit following dynamic stretching.
Main Methods:
- 12 healthy subjects underwent dynamic stretching involving ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion.
- Ankle range of motion, muscle-tendon junction displacement (ultrasonography), and passive torque (isokinetic dynamometer) were measured.
- Measurements were taken pre-intervention and at multiple time points post-intervention.
Main Results:
- Ankle range of motion significantly increased immediately and up to 10 minutes post-stretching.
- These improvements in range of motion were transient, disappearing within 15 minutes.
- No significant changes were observed in muscle-tendon unit stiffness or muscle-tendon junction displacement at submaximal angles.
Conclusions:
- Dynamic stretching can temporarily enhance ankle range of motion.
- The observed increase in range of motion may be attributed to improved stretch tolerance rather than altered passive mechanical properties.
- These findings suggest that dynamic stretching's benefits on range of motion are short-lived and do not involve changes in passive muscle-tendon unit mechanics.
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