Effects of a Secondary Cognitive Task on Psychological and Stretch Performance

Extensive research supports the positive effects of stretching on joint flexibility. During stretching, an individual's perceptions of stretch-related discomfort and pain negatively influence affective response. This study examined the effects of a dissociative attentional strategy on performance and perception during stretching. To induce dissociation, participants completed a secondary cognitive task (mental math) during passive and active static stretching. Participants (n = 16) stretched in the following conditions: (1) active-mental math, (2) active-control, (3) passive-mental math, and (4) passive-control. Participants completed conditions in a block randomized order (i.e. Latin Square Design). MANOVA of range of motion (ROM) did not support an interaction of stretch and cognitive load condition or a main effect of cognitive load. However, there was a significant effect of stretch condition on pleasantness and a significant effect of cognitive load on perceived stretch intensity and pleasantness. Passive stretching resulted in a greater ROM, reduced perceived stretch intensity, and increased pleasantness compared to active stretching. The introduction of a secondary cognitive task resulted in no significant change to ROM, but did result in reduced perception of stretch intensity and increased pleasantness. Conclusion: These findings provide evidence that dissociation during static stretch can reduce perceived stretch intensity without reduction in ROM. This effect exists even during active stretching, with the added benefit of improved ROM.