Acute effects of static and dynamic stretching on leg flexor and extensor isokinetic strength in elite women athletes

• Published in: Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports 2010-04, Vol.20 (2), p.268-281
• Main Authors: Sekir, U., Arabaci, R., Akova, B., Kadagan, S. M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Athletes; Athletes (elite); Athletes (women); Biomechanical Phenomena; concentric isokinetic torque; eccentric isokinetic torque; Electromyography; Electromyography - methods; elite women athletes; EMG activity; Exercise; Female; Humans; Isokinetics; Knee Joint - physiology; Leg - physiology; Legs; Muscle Contraction - physiology; Muscle Strength; Muscle Stretching Exercises - methods; Muscle, Skeletal - physiology; Muscles; Muscles (function); Muscular system; Reproducibility of Results; static and dynamic stretching; Strength; Stretching; Torque; Women; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0905-7188; 1600-0838
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2009.00923.x

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of static and dynamic stretching of the leg flexors and extensors on concentric and eccentric peak torque (PT) and electromyography (EMG) amplitude of the leg extensors and flexors in women athletes. Ten elite women athletes completed the following intervention protocol in a randomized order on separate days: (a) non‐stretching (control), (b) static stretching, and (c) dynamic stretching. Stretched muscles were the quadriceps and hamstring muscles. Before and after the stretching or control intervention, concentric and eccentric isokinetic PT and EMG activity of the leg extensors and flexors were measured at 60 and 180°/s. Concentric and eccentric quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength at both test speeds displayed a significant decrease following static stretching (P