What’s This Research About?
This study aims to determine whether a four-week static stretching program for the hamstring muscle group affects musculotendinous unit stiffness, isometric and isokinetic knee flexor peak torque, and angle of peak torque.
TITLE: Chronic Effects of a Static Stretching Program on Hamstring Strength
PUBLICATION: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
DATE: 2019
AUTHORS: Sayaka Nakao, Tome Ikezoe, Masatoshi Nakamura, Hiroki Umegaki, Kosuke Fujita, Jun Umehara, Takuya Kobayashi, Satoko Ibuki, Noriaki Ichihashi
Isokinetic torque-angle curve: The joint angle at which the muscle generates maximum force while moving at a steady speed.
Musculotendinous unit stiffness: The portion of the muscles and tendons responsible for the ability to develop tension; stiffness is related to the musculotendinous unit’s ability to return to the same position after being stretched.
Static stretching: A position that is held statically for a set period of time. Static stretching has been shown in previous studies to reduce musculotendinous unit stiffness and increase range of motion.