Chronic Effects of Static Stretching Exercises on Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy in Healthy Individuals: A Systematic Review and Multilevel Meta-Analysis.

Background: The chronic effect of static stretching (SS) on muscle hypertrophy is still unclear. This study aimed to examine the chronic effects of SS exercises on skeletal muscle hypertrophy in healthy individuals.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and SPORTDiscus databases up to July 2023.

The Effects of High-Intensity, Short-Duration and Low-Intensity, Long-Duration Hamstrings Static Stretching on Contralateral Limb Performance.

Introduction: Increases in contralateral range of motion (ROM) have been shown following acute high-intensity and high-duration static stretching (SS) with no significant change in contralateral force, power, and muscle activation. There are currently no studies comparing the effects of a high-intensity, short-duration (HISD) or low-intensity, long-duration (LILD) SS on contralateral performance.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine how HISD and LILD SS of the dominant leg hamstrings influence contralateral limb performance.

Age, Sex, and Training Specific Effects on Cross-Education Training.

An extensive number of publications have examined cross-education effects with adults, primarily investigating contralateral homologous (same) muscles. There are far fewer investigations on cross-education effects on contralateral heterologous (different) muscles and age (youth vs adult) and no studies investigating sex differences. Hence, the objective was to compare cross-education in female and male youth and young adults to contralateral homologous (chest press [CP], elbow flexors and extensors, handgrip isometric strength, and shot put) and heterologous (leg press, knee extension isometric strength, and countermovement jump) muscles.

The Effects of Static Stretching 2-Hours Prior to a Traditional Warm-Up on Performance.

Whereas prolonged static stretching (SS: >60-seconds per muscle) can increase range of motion (ROM) for up to 2-hours, it can also decrease maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) forces, countermovement (CMJ) and drop jump (DJ) heights, and muscle activation immediately after the stretching exercise. When an appropriate SS duration (<60-seconds per muscle) is incorporated into a dynamic warm-up, performance decrements are often trivial. However, there is a lack of studies that observed the effects of extensive SS (180-seconds) 2-hours prior to a dynamic warm-up.

Effects of slow dynamic, fast dynamic, and static stretching on recovery of performance, range of motion, balance, and joint position sense in healthy adults.

Introduction: Considering the effects of fatigue on athletic performance and the subsequent increase in the probability of injury, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of slow dynamic, fast dynamic, and static stretching on the recovery of performance, range of motion (ROM), balance, and joint position sense.

Methods: Fifteen collegiate healthy females were involved in four separate sessions of slow dynamic stretching (SDS), fast dynamic stretching (FDS), static stretching (SS), and control condition (CC; without stretching), in a random order with at least 48 h of rest between sessions. After warming up, the individuals performed ROM, balance, joint position sense (JPS) maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) force as well as countermovement (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) as pre-tests.

Can isometric testing substitute for the one repetition maximum squat test?

When measuring maximum strength, a high accuracy and precision is required to monitor the training adaptations. Based on available reliability parameters, the literature suggests the replacement of the one repetition maximum (1RM) by isometric testing to save testing time. However, from a statistical point of view, correlation coefficients do not provide the required information when aiming to replace one test by another.

Dual-task training is as effective as functional training on the functional fitness of older women: a randomized clinical trial.

Background: The interest in approaches that improve older individuals' functional fitness and autonomy is increasing. However, the effects of dual-task training on older women's functional fitness and the comparison with the functional training approach are unclear. Therefore, we compared dual-task and functional training on the functional fitness of older women and the effects of three months of detraining.

Comparison of resistance training vs static stretching on flexibility and maximal strength in healthy physically active adults, a randomized controlled trial.

Background: The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of resistance training through full range of motion and static stretching (SS) of the hip and lower back extensors on flexibility and strength in healthy, physically active, adults.

Methods: Eighteen participants (age: 24.2 ± 3.

Resistance Training Causes the Stretch-Induced Force Deficit-A Randomized Cross-Over Study.

Purpose: Stretch-induced force deficit suggests an acute stretch-specific strength capacity loss, which is commonly attributed to EMG reductions. Since those deficits could also be attributed to general fatigue induced by overloading the muscle, this study aimed to compare stretching with an exhausting calf raise programme to compare strength and stretching responses.

Method: This study included 16 participants with different, high-duration calf muscle stretching effects (10, 20, 30 min of stretching) with resistance training (RT) (3 × 12 repetitions) performed until muscle failure, by using a cross-over study design with pre-post comparisons.

The Duration of Non-Local Muscle Fatigue Effects.

Non-local muscle fatigue (NLMF) refers to a transient decline in the functioning of a non-exercised muscle following the fatigue of a different muscle group. Most studies examining NLMF conducted post-tests immediately after the fatiguing protocols, leaving the duration of these effects uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the duration of NLMF (1-, 3-, and 5-minutes).

Neuromechanical Differences between Pronated and Supinated Forearm Positions during Upper-Body Wingate Tests.

Arm-cycling is a versatile exercise modality with applications in both athletic enhancement and rehabilitation, yet the influence of forearm orientation remains understudied. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the impact of forearm position on upper-body arm-cycling Wingate tests. Fourteen adult males (27.

Discussing Conflicting Explanatory Approaches in Flexibility Training Under Consideration of Physiology: A Narrative Review.

The mechanisms underlying range of motion enhancements via flexibility training discussed in the literature show high heterogeneity in research methodology and study findings. In addition, scientific conclusions are mostly based on functional observations while studies considering the underlying physiology are less common. However, understanding the underlying mechanisms that contribute to an improved range of motion through stretching is crucial for conducting comparable studies with sound designs, optimising training routines and accurately interpreting resulting outcomes.

Static Stretch Training versus Foam Rolling Training Effects on Range of Motion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Long-term static stretching as well as foam rolling training can increase a joint's range of motion (ROM). However, to date, it is not clear which method is the most effective for increasing ROM.

Objective: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the effects of static stretching and foam rolling training on ROM.

Comparison of Supervised versus Self-Administered Stretching on Bench Press Maximal Strength and Force Development.

Purpose: While there is reported superior effectiveness with supervised training, it usually requires specialized exercise facilities and instructors. It is reported in the literature that high-volume stretching improves pectoralis muscles strength under supervised conditions while practical relevance is discussed. Therefore, the study objective was to compare the effects of volume equated, supervised- and self-administered home-based stretching on strength performance.

Effects of Chronic Static Stretching on Maximal Strength and Muscle Hypertrophy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with Meta-Regression.

Background: Increases in maximal strength and muscle volume represent central aims of training interventions. Recent research suggested that the chronic application of stretch may be effective in inducing hypertrophy. The present systematic review therefore aimed to syntheisize the evidence on changes of strength and muscle volume following chronic static stretching.

Effect of TRPV4 Antagonist GSK2798745 on Chlorine Gas-Induced Acute Lung Injury in a Swine Model.

As a regulator of alveolo-capillary barrier integrity, Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) antagonism represents a promising strategy for reducing pulmonary edema secondary to chemical inhalation. In an experimental model of acute lung injury induced by exposure of anesthetized swine to chlorine gas by mechanical ventilation, the dose-dependent effects of TRPV4 inhibitor GSK2798745 were evaluated. Pulmonary function and oxygenation were measured hourly; airway responsiveness, wet-to-dry lung weight ratios, airway inflammation, and histopathology were assessed 24 h post-exposure.

Effects of chronic static stretching interventions on jumping and sprinting performance-a systematic review with multilevel meta-analysis.

When improving athletic performance in sports with high-speed strength demands such as soccer, basketball, or track and field, the most common training method might be resistance training and plyometrics. Since a link between strength capacity and speed strength exists and recently published literature suggested chronic stretching routines may enhance maximum strength and hypertrophy, this review was performed to explore potential benefits on athletic performance. Based on current literature, a beneficial effect of static stretching on jumping and sprinting performance was hypothesized.

Application of mobility training methods in sporting populations: A systematic review of performance adaptations.

This systematic review investigates influences of mobility training in sporting populations on performance outcomes. The search strategy involved Embase, MEDLINE Complete, Sports Discus and manual search from inception to March 2022. Mobility training studies with a minimum three-week, or 10-session duration in healthy sporting populations of any age were included.

Acute effects of resistance training at different range of motions on plantar flexion mechanical properties and force.

The effects obtained from resistance training depend on the exercise range of motion (ROM) performed. We aimed to examine the acute effects of different exercise ROM resistance training on the plantar flexor muscles. Eighteen healthy untrained male adults participated in three conditions: calf raises in 1) partial condition [final (short muscle length) partial ROM], 2) full condition (full ROM), and 3) control condition.

The Effects of Physical and Mental Fatigue on Time Perception.

The perception of time holds a foundational significance regarding how we elucidate the chronological progression of events. While some studies have examined exercise effects on time perception during exercise periods, there are no studies investigating the effects of exercise fatigue on time perception after an exercise intervention. This study investigated the effects of physical and mental fatigue on time estimates over 30 s immediately post-exercise and 6 min post-test.