Dynamic stretching does not affect peroneal and tibial muscle reaction properties

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Ankle sprains are common injuries in athletes.
• Dynamic stretching is often used to improve performance and prevent injuries.
• The effects of dynamic stretching on specific muscle reaction properties related to ankle stability are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the acute and chronic effects of dynamic stretching on the reaction properties of peroneal and tibialis anterior muscles.
• To determine if dynamic stretching influences muscle response during simulated ankle inversion.

Main Methods:

• 21 male athletes were divided into dynamic stretching and control groups.
• The dynamic stretching group performed ankle evertor and dorsiflexor exercises for six weeks.
• Muscle reaction properties (time, duration, magnitude) were measured using an ankle supination platform under various inversion conditions.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were found in acute or chronic effects of dynamic stretching on peroneal and tibialis anterior muscle reaction time, duration, or magnitude.
• Dynamic stretching did not alter muscle responses in any of the four simulated ankle inversion conditions.

Conclusions:

• Dynamic stretching exercises do not appear to positively or negatively affect muscle reaction properties relevant to ankle sprain risk.
• Dynamic stretching may be beneficial for sports emphasizing strength and power, independent of its effect on reaction properties.