Acute and chronic effects of static stretching at 100% versus 120% intensity on flexibility

• Published in: European journal of applied physiology Vol. 121; no. 2; pp. 513 - 523
• Main Authors: Fukaya, Taizan, Matsuo, Shingo, Iwata, Masahiro, Yamanaka, Eiji, Tsuchida, Wakako, Asai, Yuji, Suzuki, Shigeyuki
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.02.2021; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Acute effects; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedicine; Chronic effects; Health sciences; Human Physiology; Occupational Medicine/Industrial Medicine; Original Article; Pain; Physiology; Range of motion; Rehabilitation; Sports Medicine; Static stretching; Stretching intensity; Acute effects; Flexibility; Passive stiffness; Chronic effects
• ISSN: 1439-6319; 1439-6327
• DOI: 10.1007/s00421-020-04539-7

Purpose The acute effects of static stretching have been frequently studied, but the chronic effects have not been studied concurrently. Thus, this study aimed to investigate both the acute and chronic effects of static stretching at different intensities on flexibility. Methods Twenty-three healthy men were randomly assigned to perform 1 min of static stretching 3 days/week for 4 weeks at 100% intensity ( n  = 12) or 120% intensity ( n  = 11). The acute effects of stretching were assessed by measuring the range of motion (ROM), peak passive torque, and passive stiffness before and after every stretching session; the chronic effects of stretching were assessed by measuring these outcomes at baseline and after 2 and 4 weeks of stretching. Results Compared with the 100% intensity group, the 120% intensity group had significantly greater acute increases in ROM after all 12 sessions, a significantly greater decrease in passive stiffness after 11 of 12 sessions, and a significantly greater increase in peak passive torque after six of 12 sessions. Regarding the chronic effects, ROM was significantly increased in both groups after 2 and 4 weeks of stretching. Peak passive torque significantly increased in the 100% intensity group after 2 and 4 weeks of stretching, and after 4 weeks in the 120% intensity group. Conclusion Stretching at 120% intensity resulted in significantly greater acute improvements in ROM, peak passive torque, and stiffness than stretching at 100% intensity. Four weeks of stretching increased ROM and peak passive torque but did not decrease passive stiffness, regardless of the stretching intensity.