Acute effects of static stretching on Wingate testing in men

Previous research has demonstrated a reduction in peak power via isokinetic dynamometry and power testing. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of static stretching (SS) on the Wingate test (WAnT).

Thirteen recreationally active males (mean age: 22.5±1.9 years, height: 172.5±8.4 cm, body mass: 83.4±24.6 kg) were tested for peak (PP), average (AP), and minimum (MP) power output using the WAnT. Two WAnT trials were completed by each subject on a Monark 894-E ergometer that was interfaced with a desktop computer. Participants completed a 5-minute warm-up on the cycle ergometer and then performed the pre-WAnT. Upon completion, the stretching protocol four static stretches were performed: one was participant self-administered and the remaining three by the investigator. Each stretch was held for 30 seconds and was repeated 4 times on each leg and repeated after 4 minutes of rest.

Significant differences (P<0.05) were found for PP only for the pre- versus post-WAnT (802.6±207.6 vs. 768.8±199.7 W).

Static stretching before performance of the WAnT demonstrated a significant decrease in peak power output. Based upon these results, it appears that SS decreases peak power output when performing an anaerobic capacity test on a cycle ergometer.