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Minute oscillation stretching: A novel modality for reducing musculo‐tendinous stiffness and maintaining muscle strength
Author(s) -
Ikeda Naoki,
Yonezu Takahisa,
Kawakami Yasuo
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of medicine and science in sports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.575
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1600-0838
pISSN - 0905-7188
DOI - 10.1111/sms.13830
Subject(s) - achilles tendon , plantar flexion , muscle stiffness , tendon , medicine , stiffness , triceps surae muscle , electromyography , heel , muscle belly , anatomy , physical medicine and rehabilitation , materials science , ankle , composite material
A novel stretching modality was developed to provide repetitive small length changes to the plantar flexors undergoing passive stretch defined as "minute oscillation stretching" (MOS). This study investigated the effects of MOS on neuromuscular activity during force production, the rate of torque development (RTD), and the elastic properties of the plantar flexors and Achilles tendon. Ten healthy males participated in this study. The neuromuscular activity of the triceps surae and tibialis anterior muscles during maximal voluntary plantar flexion torque [MVT], RTD of plantar flexion, Achilles tendon stiffness, and muscle stiffness were measured before and after two types of interventions for a total of 5 minutes: static stretching (SS) and MOS at 15 Hz and without intervention (control). Achilles tendon stiffness was calculated from the tendon elongation measuring by ultrasonography. Muscle stiffness was determined for the medial gastrocnemius [MG] using shear wave elastography. The MVT, mean electromyographic amplitudes [mEMG] of MG and lateral gastrocnemius [LG], and RTD were significantly decreased following SS (MVT: −7.2 ± 7.9%; mEMG of MG: −8.7 ± 10.2%; mEMG of LG: −12.4 ± 10.5%; RTD: −6.6 ± 6.8%), but not after MOS. Achilles tendon stiffness significantly decreased after SS (−13.4 ± 12.3%) and MOS (−9.7 ± 11.5%), with no significant differences between them. Muscle stiffness significantly decreased in SS and MOS, with relative changes being significantly greater for MOS (−7.9 ± 8.3%) than SS (−2.3 ± 2.9%) interventions. All variables remained unchanged in the controls. In conclusion, MOS changed muscle‐tendon compliance without loss of muscle function.