Comparison of Two Static Stretching Techniques for the Triceps Surae in Healthy Individuals: Wall and Inclined Board Stretchings

• Published in: Annals of rehabilitation medicine 2020, 44(2), , pp.125-130
• Main Authors: Kim, Tae Hee, Lim, Oh Kyung, Park, Ki Deok, Lee, Ju Kang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: achilles tendon; inclined board; Original; triceps surae; wall stretch; 재활의학
• ISSN: 2234-0645; 2234-0653
• DOI: 10.5535/arm.2020.44.2.125

To compare the effectiveness of static stretching techniques for correcting the tightness of the triceps surae. In this observational, cross-sectional study, participants (30 healthy volunteers) completed 10 repetitions of each stretching exercise, holding each stretch for 10 seconds, with a 1-minute rest period between repetitionsand a 1-hour rest period between the two stretching techniques, namely, wall and inclined board stretchings. The length of the triceps surae and range of ankle dorsiflexion were measured on lateral view radiographs. The muscle activity during the stretch was measured using quantified surface electromyography of the lateral gastrocnemius. The subjective stretching sensation was evaluated using the visual analog scale. Both stretching techniques showed statistical differences in all the parameters. Stretching on an inclined board yielded a greater increase in the triceps surae length than did wall stretching (mean difference, 0.72; p=0.02). The range of ankle dorsiflexion was higher with inclined board stretching than with wall stretching (mean difference, 2.57; p=0.03). The mean muscle activity was significantly lower withinclined board stretching than with wall stretching (mean difference, 53.72; p