- Author : Eric J. Sobolewski
- Publisher :
- Release : 2010
- ISBN :
- Pages : 49 pages
The Effect of Static Stretching and Order of Warm up on Isokinetic Peak Torque of the Knee Extensors
Download or read book The Effect of Static Stretching and Order of Warm up on Isokinetic Peak Torque of the Knee Extensors written by Eric J. Sobolewski and published by . This book was released on 2010 with total page 49 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The purposes of these studies were to determine if an acute static stretch influenced isokinetic peak torque (IPT), and to examine if the order in which the warm up routine was performed affected peak knee extension torque. Twenty trained college male students performed maximal isokinetic knee extensions under four conditions: a control consisting of no stretching, a stretch only trial, jog then stretch, and stretch then jog conditions. Each stretch was held for a total volume of 360 s. Measurements were taken on a Biodex System 3 isokinetic dynamometer at speeds of 60° s−1 and 300° s−1. Data were analyzed using t-tests to compare the stretch condition with the control. The results indicated that there was a significant difference between the stretch and the control at 300° s−1 (p = 0.03 t = 2.42) but not at 60° s−1 (p = 0.16). A 2 x 3 ANOVA (300° s−1 x 60° s−1, and control x stretch then jog x jog then stretch) yielded no significance at either speed (p> 0.05). Conclusions from this study indicate that stretching should not be the sole exercise in a warm-up routine as previous research confirms the decrease in IPT after stretching. Another finding of this study is that the negative effects of stretching can be diminished when combined with an aerobic activity such as jogging prior to performance. Further research is needed to determine the underlying factors that contribute to the post stretch decrease in IPT and the factors that lead to the restoration of force after aerobic activity. Caution is advised since these were controlled tests in a laboratory and results may vary with actual performance.