The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of resistance training, static
and ballistic stretching and stationary cycling on the range of motion (ROM) and end
ROM torque of hip joint flexion, resting tension of the hamstrings and stretch-induced
electromyographic (EMC) activity of the hamstrings. Four separate experimental groups
performed either 15 min resistance training of the hamstrings (n = 12), 15 min static
stretching of the hamstrings (n = 14), 15 min ballistic stretching of the hamstrings
(n = 16), or 15 min stationary cycling (n = 12). A control group (n = 15) remained
resting for 15 min. ROM was increased after static and ballistic stretching and after
stationary cycling. ROM remained unchanged in the resistance training group as well
as in the control group. End ROM torque showed a significant increase after static
and balistic stretching. Static and ballistic stretching and stationary cycling decreased
EMC activity significantly. Resting tension) was decreased only after stationary cycling
(p<0.1). The constancy of the muscle resting tension suggests that merely the subjects'
tolerance to higher stretching strain brings about the enlargement of ROM after short-term
stretching exercises. The enlargement of ROM after stationary cycling could have been
caused by the poor decrease of resting tenison.
Key words
EMC - flexibility - hamstrings - resistance training - resting tension - stretching
torque - stretch training
