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Published on: May 26, 2020
Acute effects of static stretching on the knee joint position sense of soccer players: A crossover randomized
Joana Azevedo1, Miguel Teixeira1, Isabel Moreira-Silva2
1FP-I3ID, FP-BHS, Escola Superior de Saúde Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal.
Background:
Static stretching (SS) is recommended to increase short-term flexibility and to reduce the risk of muscle/tendon injuries. However, impairments on muscle performance are also reported. Regarding its effect on the knee joint-position sense (JPS), conclusions remain inconclusive.
Aim:
To investigate the acute effects of two different durations of SS on the knee JPS of soccer players.
Methods:
This 3-period block-randomized controlled crossover trial included 17 male soccer players, aged 18-30 years, with normal knee range of motion and without history of lower limb injuries in the last 6 months. All participants performed 3 conditions: two experimental conditions of SS of the quadriceps and hamstrings muscles, for 30s or 90s; and a control condition (rest). Knee JPS of the dominant limb was assessed before and immediately after the conditions for the range of 45° of knee flexion by active repositioning, using a video camera and markers. JPS was expressed as absolute, relative and variable angular errors.
Results:
No significant differences in the errors were found between the assessment conducted before or after the SS interventions or Control (p > 0.05). However, intergroup comparisons revealed a significantly higher absolute angular error after the SS of 90s compared to Control (p = 0.003). Also, significantly higher relative errors after the SS of 90s were found compared to Control (p = 0.006) and SS of 30s (p = 0.004).
Conclusion:
SS of the quadriceps and hamstrings appears to have no effects on the knee JPS, regardless of the duration of the SS.
