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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Effect of frequency of static stretching on flexibility, hamstring tightness and electromyographic activity

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Author(s):
Marques, A. P. [1] ; Vasconcelos, A. A. P. [1] ; Cabral, C. M. N. [2] ; Sacco, I. C. N. [1]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Fisioterapia Fonoaudiol & Terapia Ocupac, Fac Med, BR-05360160 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Cidade Sao Paulo, Dept Fisioterapia, Programa Mestrado Fisioterapia, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research; v. 42, n. 10, p. 949-953, OCT 2009.
Web of Science Citations: 27
Abstract

We compared the effect of the number of weekly repetitions of a static stretching program on the flexibility, hamstring tightness and electromyographic activity of the hamstring and of the triceps surae muscles. Thirty-one healthy subjects with hamstring tightness, defined as the inability to perform total knee extension, and shortened triceps surae, defined by a tibiotarsal angle wider than 90° during trunk flexion, were divided into three groups: G1 performed the stretching exercises once a week; G2, three times a week, and G3, five times a week. The parameters were determined before and after the stretching program. Flexibility improved in all groups after intervention, from 7.65 ± 10.38 to 3.67 ± 12.08 in G1, from 10.73 ± 12.07 to 0.77 ± 10.45 in G2, and from 14.20 ± 10.75 to 6.85 ± 12.19 cm in G3 (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). The increase in flexibility was higher in G2 than in G1 (P = 0.018), while G2 and G3 showed no significant difference (G1: 4 ± 2.17, G2: 10 ± 5.27; G3: 7.5 ± 4.77 cm). Hamstring tightness improved in all groups, from 37.90 ± 6.44 to 29 ± 11.65 in G1, from 39.82 ± 9.63 to 21.91 ± 8.40 in G2, and from 37.20 ± 6.63 to 26.10 ± 5.72° in G3 (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). During stretching, a statistically significant difference was observed in electromyographic activity of biceps femoris muscle between G1 and G3 (P = 0.048) and G2 and G3 (P = 0.0009). No significant differences were found in electromyographic activity during maximal isometric contraction. Stretching exercises performed three times a week were sufficient to improve flexibility and range of motion compared to subjects exercising once a week, with results similar to those of subjects who exercised five times a week. (AU)