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Using Long-Duration Static Stretch Training to Counteract Strength and Flexibility Deficits in Moderately Trained Participants

Author

Listed:
  • Konstantin Warneke

    (Department for Exercise, Sport and Health, Leuphana University, 21335 Lüneburg, Germany)

  • Lars H. Lohmann

    (Institute of Sport Science, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany)

  • Michael Keiner

    (Department of Training Science, German University of Health & Sport, 85737 Ismaning, Germany)

  • Carl-M. Wagner

    (Department of Training Science, German University of Health & Sport, 85737 Ismaning, Germany)

  • Tobias Schmidt

    (Department Training and Testing Science, Medical School Hamburg, 20457 Hamburg, Germany)

  • Klaus Wirth

    (Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Applied Sciences, 2700 Wiener Neustadt, Austria)

  • Astrid Zech

    (Department of Human Motion Science and Exercise Physiology, Friedrich Schiller University, 07743 Jena, Germany)

  • Stephan Schiemann

    (Department for Exercise, Sport and Health, Leuphana University, 21335 Lüneburg, Germany)

  • David Behm

    (School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1C 5S7, Canada)

Abstract

Many sports injuries result in surgery and prolonged periods of immobilization, which may lead to significant atrophy accompanied by loss of maximal strength and range of motion and, therefore, a weak-leg/strong-leg ratio (as an imbalance index ∆ ) lower than 1. Consequently, there are common rehabilitation programs that aim to enhance maximal strength, muscle thickness and flexibility; however, the literature demonstrates existing strength imbalances after weeks of rehabilitation. Since no study has previously been conducted to investigate the effects of long-duration static stretch training to treat muscular imbalances, the present research aims to determine the possibility of counteracting imbalances in maximal strength and range of motion. Thirty-nine athletic participants with significant calf muscle imbalances in maximal strength and range of motion were divided into an intervention group (one-hour daily plantar flexors static stretching of the weaker leg for six weeks) and a control group to evaluate the effects on maximal strength and range of motion with extended and bent knee joint. Results show significant increases in maximal strength (d = 0.84–1.61, p < 0.001–0.005) and range of motion (d = 0.92–1.49, p < 0.001–0.002) following six weeks of static stretching. Group * time effects ( p < 0.001–0.004, η² = 0.22–0.55) revealed ∆ changes in the intervention group from 0.87 to 1.03 for maximal strength and from 0.92 to 1.11 in range of motion. The results provide evidence for the use of six weeks of daily, one hour stretching to counteract muscular imbalances. Related research in clinical settings after surgery is suggested.

Suggested Citation

  • Konstantin Warneke & Lars H. Lohmann & Michael Keiner & Carl-M. Wagner & Tobias Schmidt & Klaus Wirth & Astrid Zech & Stephan Schiemann & David Behm, 2022. "Using Long-Duration Static Stretch Training to Counteract Strength and Flexibility Deficits in Moderately Trained Participants," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-14, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:20:p:13254-:d:942296
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Konstantin Warneke & Michael Keiner & Martin Hillebrecht & Stephan Schiemann, 2022. "Influence of One Hour versus Two Hours of Daily Static Stretching for Six Weeks Using a Calf-Muscle-Stretching Orthosis on Maximal Strength," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(18), pages 1-11, September.
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