Static Stretching Alters Neuromuscular Function and Pacing Strategy, but Not Performance during a 3-Km Running Time-Trial

Author(s)

Damasceno, Mayara V. ^[1] ; Duarte, Marcos ^[2] ; Pasqua, Leonardo A. ^[3] ; Lima-Silva, Adriano E. ^[4] ; MacIntosh, Brian R. ^[5] ; Bertuzzi, Romulo ^[6]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo. Sch Phys Educ & Sport

^[2] Fed Univ ABC. Sao Paulo

^[3] Univ Sao Paulo. Sch Phys Educ & Sport

^[4] Univ Fed Pernambuco. Dept Phys Educ & Sports Sci

^[5] Univ Calgary. Fac Kinesiol

^[6] Univ Sao Paulo. Sch Phys Educ & Sport

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PLoS One; v. 9, n. 6 JUN 6 2014.
• Web of Science Citations: 7

Abstract

Purpose: Previous studies report that static stretching (SS) impairs running economy. Assuming that pacing strategy relies on rate of energy use, this study aimed to determine whether SS would modify pacing strategy and performance in a 3-km running time-trial. Methods: Eleven recreational distance runners performed a) a constant-speed running test without previous SS and a maximal incremental treadmill test; b) an anthropometric assessment and a constant-speed running test with previous SS; c) a 3-km time-trial familiarization on an outdoor 400-m track; d and e) two 3-km time-trials, one with SS (experimental situation) and another without (control situation) previous static stretching. The order of the sessions d and e were randomized in a counterbalanced fashion. Sit-and-reach and drop jump tests were performed before the 3-km running time-trial in the control situation and before and after stretching exercises in the SS. Running economy, stride parameters, and electromyographic activity (EMG) of vastus medialis (VM), biceps femoris (BF) and gastrocnemius medialis (GA) were measured during the constant-speed tests. Results: The overall running time did not change with condition (SS 11:35 +/- 00:31 s; control 11:28 +/- 00:41 s, p=0.304), but the first 100 m was completed at a significantly lower velocity after SS. Surprisingly, SS did not modify the running economy, but the iEMG for the BF (+22.6%, p=0.031), stride duration (+2.1%, p=0.053) and range of motion (+11.1%, p = 0.0001) were significantly modified. Drop jump height decreased following SS (-9.2%, p=0.001). Conclusion: Static stretch impaired neuromuscular function, resulting in a slow start during a 3-km running time-trial, thus demonstrating the fundamental role of the neuromuscular system in the self-selected speed during the initial phase of the race. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/13913-6 - Running economy and muscle strength: a relationship with ACTN3 gene R577X polymorphism
• Grantee: Leonardo Alves Pasqua
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 11/10742-9 - Is the strength training able to alter the running strategy in a 10 km running race?
• Grantee: Rômulo Cássio de Moraes Bertuzzi
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 11/02769-4 - Is the strength training be able to alter the 10-km running strategy?
• Grantee: Mayara Vieira Damasceno
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master