CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Sports Med Int Open 2018; 02(06): E163-E170
DOI: 10.1055/a-0733-6957
Training & Testing
Eigentümer und Copyright ©Georg Thieme Verlag KG 2018

Acute Effect of Active and Passive Static Stretching on Elastic Modulus of the Hamstrings

Gakuto Nakao
1   Graduate School of Health Sciences, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
2   Department of Rehabilitation, Ebetsu City Hospital, Ebetsu, Japan
,
Keigo Taniguchi
3   Department of Physical Therapy, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
,
Masaki Katayose
3   Department of Physical Therapy, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

received 18 April 2018
revised 09 August 2018

accepted 11 August 2018

Publication Date:
15 November 2018 (online)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in the acute effects of passive knee extension (PKE) and active knee extension (AKE) stretching on the shear elastic modulus of the hamstrings. In 20 healthy men, maximum knee extension (maximum range of motion [ROM]) and shear elastic modulus of the hamstrings (biceps femoris long head, semitendinosus, semimembranosus) were measured before (Pre) and after (Post) AKE and PKE stretching. The maximum ROM during stretching was measured. In both stretching methods, maximum ROM increased and the shear elastic modulus decreased (p<0.01), but no difference was found between the procedures. No significant difference was observed in the maximum ROM during stretching between the procedures (p=0.06). The shear elastic modulus was significantly lower in the biceps femoris long head and semimembranosus than in the semitendinosus muscle (p<0.05). Static stretching with PKE and AKE stretching showed an increase in maximum ROM and a decrease in hamstring elasticity, but no difference was found between the methods. Both stretching protocols were effective for reducing elasticity of the biceps femoris long head and semimembranosus.

 
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