Effects of contract-relax stretching training on muscle performance in athletes

• Published in: European journal of applied physiology Vol. 76; no. 5; pp. 400 - 408
• Main Authors: HANDEL, M, HORSTMANN, T, DICKHUTH, H.-H, GÜLCH, R. W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin Springer 01.11.1997
• Subjects: Adaptation, Physiological - physiology; Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Electromyography; Electrophysiology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Isometric Contraction - physiology; Joints - physiology; Knee Joint - physiology; Male; Muscle Contraction - physiology; Muscle Relaxation - physiology; Muscle, Skeletal - anatomy & histology; Muscle, Skeletal - innervation; Muscle, Skeletal - physiology; Physical Education and Training - methods; Space life sciences; Sports; Striated muscle. Tendons; Vertebrates: osteoarticular system, musculoskeletal system; Biomechanics; Human; Physical training; Contractility; Mechanical properties; Striated muscle; Performance; Athlete; Stretching
• ISSN: 0301-5548; 1439-6319; 1432-1025; 1439-6327
• DOI: 10.1007/s004210050268

The effects of an 8-week unilateral contract-relax (CR) stretching training program (passive stretch after isometric contraction) on muscular performance were investigated in a group of 16 athletes. The flexibility, maximum torque and angular position as well as contraction work in movements of the knee joint were determined before training and after 4 and 8 weeks of training. The torque measurements were performed under isokinetic conditions, eccentrically at angular velocities of 60 degrees x s(-1) and 120 degrees x s(-1), isometrically at five different joint positions, and concentrically at angular velocities of 60, 120, 180 and 240 degrees x s(-1) using an isokinetic dynamometer. A surface electromyogram (EMG) of the thigh muscles (quadriceps and hamstrings) was recorded simultaneously. As compared to untrained control limbs, significant improvements in active and passive flexibility (up to 6.3 degrees in range of motion), maximum torque (up to 21.6%) and work (up to 12.9%) were observed, and these were especially pronounced under eccentric load conditions. A comparison between integrated EMG recordings during eccentric and concentric loads, as well as the interpretation of the training-induced changes in the EMG, suggest that muscular activity under eccentric loads may be impaired by mental processes.