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Prophylactic stretching does not reduce cramp susceptibility
Author(s) -
Miller Kevin C.,
Harsen James D.,
Long Blaine C.
Publication year - 2018
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.25762
Subject(s) - medicine , physical medicine and rehabilitation , muscle cramp
: Some clinicians advocate stretching to prevent muscle cramps. It is unknown whether static or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching increases cramp threshold frequency (TF c ), a quantitative measure of cramp susceptibility. Methods: Fifteen individuals completed this randomized, counterbalanced, cross‐over study. We measured passive hallux range of motion (ROM) and then performed 3 minutes of either static stretching, PNF stretching (hold–relax—with agonist contraction), or no stretching. ROM was reassessed and TF c was measured. Results: PNF stretching increased hallux extension (pre‐PNF 81 ± 11°, post‐PNF 90 ± 10°; P < 0.05) but not hallux flexion (pre‐PNF 40 ± 7°, post‐PNF 40 ± 7°; P > 0.05). Static stretching increased hallux extension (pre‐static 80 ± 11°, post‐static 88 ± 9°; P < 0.05) but not hallux flexion (pre‐static 38 ± 9°, post‐static 39 ± 8°; P > 0.05). No ROM changes occurred with no stretching ( P > 0.05). TF c was unaffected by stretching (no stretching 18 ± 7 H z , PNF 16 ± 4 H z , static 16 ± 5 H z ; P = 0.37). Discussion: Static and PNF stretching increased hallux extension, but neither increased TF c . Acute stretching may not prevent muscle cramping. Muscle Nerve 57 : 473–477, 2018