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The Recovery of Muscle Spindle Sensitivity Following Stretching Is Promoted by Isometric but Not by Dynamic Muscle
Francesco Budini1, Dietmar Rafolt2, Monica Christova3,4
1Institute for Sport Science, Graz University, Graz, Austria.
Frontiers in Physiology
|August 28, 2020
Summary
Static stretching reduces muscle spindle sensitivity, impairing performance. While isometric contractions fully restore reflex function, dynamic movements like jumps cause prolonged inhibition, highlighting that not all contractions aid recovery from stretching effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuromuscular Physiology
- Exercise Science
- Sports Biomechanics
Background:
- Static stretching can temporarily reduce muscle spindle sensitivity, potentially impairing muscle performance.
- Neural alterations, specifically to spinal or cortico-spinal excitability, are not long-lasting effects of stretching.
- The amplitude of the stretch or tap reflex (TR) is reduced for several minutes post-stretching.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the differential effects of static versus dynamic muscle contractions on the recovery of muscle spindle sensitivity after static stretching.
- To determine which type of contraction best reverses the inhibition of muscle spindle sensitivity induced by static stretching.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen students underwent static stretching of ankle plantar flexors.
- Tap reflexes (TR) were measured at baseline and up to 10 minutes after stretching, followed by one of three interventions: isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), three countermovement jumps, or a control (no contraction).
- Peak-to-peak amplitude of EMG signals for TRs was analyzed to quantify reflex response.
Main Results:
- Static stretching alone (control) resulted in a sustained ~20% reduction in TR amplitude for 10 minutes.
- Isometric plantar flexor MVC led to immediate TR recovery, with no significant difference from baseline.
- Three countermovement jumps initially caused a 34.4% reduction in TR, with significant inhibition persisting for up to 90 seconds post-intervention.
Conclusions:
- Isometric contractions effectively and rapidly restore muscle spindle sensitivity inhibited by static stretching.
- Dynamic contractions, such as countermovement jumps, can prolong the inhibition of muscle spindle sensitivity.
- The type of muscle contraction following static stretching significantly influences the recovery of neuromuscular function, with isometric contractions being superior for prompt recovery.
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