ABSTRACT

Aim:

Static stretching (SS) is commonly performed by athletes prior to exercise and athletic events for many years. Its possible benefits are based on increases in joint Range of Motion (ROM) and/or decreases in muscle-tendon unit stiffness. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of static stretching on concentric, isokinetic leg extension peak torque (PT) at 60 and 300°·s−1 and hip range of motion (ROM) in sedentary people and professional soccer players.

Methods:

This study was performed at Ankara University School of Medicine between June 2013 and October 2014. 30 male subjects; 15 sedentary subjects (aged 21.5 ± 3.7 years, body mass 72.6 ± 13.3 kg, height 177.8 ± 6.6 cm) and 15 soccer players (aged 18.7 ± 0.5 years, body mass 73.7 ± 4.7 kg, height 181.6 ± 4.2 cm) volunteered to participate in this study. Thigh extensor muscle strength was measured by isokinetic dynamometer at speeds of 60 and 180 degrees and hip ROM was measured with goniometer in both groups with and without stretching.

Results:

There were no significant differences pre- and post- stretching PT; both isokinetic velocities on the soccer players and sedentary subjects. However, ROM increased (p < 0.05) post-stretching compared with pre-stretching in both groups.

Conclusion:

We concluded that 30 seconds SS can not affect muscular performance but improved flexibility. Thirty second stretching exercises as part of a warm-up to be proposed to the coaches.