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Viscoelastic stress relaxation in the hamstrings before and after a 10‐week stretching program
Author(s) -
Peixoto Gustavo H.,
Andrade Andre G.,
Menzel Hans J.K.,
Araújo Silvia R.S.,
Pertence Antônio E.M.,
Chagas Mauro H.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.24593
Subject(s) - static stretching , relaxation (psychology) , viscoelasticity , stress relaxation , range of motion , significant difference , physical therapy , medicine , physical medicine and rehabilitation , materials science , creep , composite material
ABSTRACT Introduction We investigated the viscoelastic stress relaxation response before and after a 10‐week hamstrings static stretch program. Methods : The maximal range of motion (ROM max ) and maximal torque (Torque max ) were assessed before and after a 10‐week stretching program. Six 30‐s static stretches at a predetermined torque were performed, and the relative change in stress relaxation was examined. Results : ROM max and Torque max increased by 53% and 82%, respectively ( P < 0.001). The relative stress relaxation (RSR) decreased significantly for repetition 1 when comparing the pretest (25%) and posttest (21%) values ( P = 0.003). A significant decrease was also observed for repetitions 2 and 3 ( P < 0.014), with no significant difference in repetitions 4–6 ( P > 0.056). Conclusions : Individuals who participated in a 10‐week hamstrings passive–static stretch program had a reduced RSR response. A higher stretch intensity or longer duration may be necessary to achieve RSRs similar to those reported before the stretch program. Muscle Nerve , 2015 Muscle Nerve 51 :761–764, 2015