Impact of acute static-stretching on the optimal height in drop jumps

Abstract

This study analyzed the effect of static stretching on performance during drop jumps. Furthermore, we investigated if a reduction in drop height would compensate the stretching-caused alterations. Ten physically active male subjects performed drop jumps at four different drop heights without static stretching for the optimal drop height determination. After, they performed drop jumps on two drop heights with static stretching previously. The jump height, contact time and reactive strength index were significantly affected by static stretching. However, only the contact time was significantly improved by the reduction in drop height with previous static stretching. Our results suggest that the decrement in performance after static stretching could be partially compensated by a reduction in drop height, which decreases the contact time near a non-stretching jump condition. This can be explained by the lower landing velocity and, possibly, the smaller reduction in the activation of the plantar flexors muscles. In conclusion, the reduction in drop height seems to be interesting after a static stretching session, aiming to expose the athletes to lower impact forces to maintain jump performance.

Acute static stretching with different volumes improves hamstring flexibility but not reactive strength index and leg stiffness in well-trained judo athletes

“…Several researchers have argued that SS with different volumes leads to a decrease in MTS (Taniguchi et al, 2015;Pasqua et al, 2014;Akagi and Takahashi, 2013;Mizuno and Umemura, 2013;Ryan et al, 2008). Indeed, Ryan et al (2008) reported that SS of 2-8 min resulted in significant decreases in MTS.…”

“…RSI has been described as a simple tool to monitor stress on the MTU and to quantify plyometric or SSC performance (Werstein et al, 2012;Flanagan et al, 2008). While Pasqua et al (2014) reported that JH, GCT, and RSI were negatively influenced by a 10 min SS exercise, Tsolakis et al (2010) argued that 6 min SS exercises had no significant effects on squat jump (SJ) height, RSI, and GCT performance of well-trained fencers, either positively or negatively. Werstein and Lund (2012) also reported that SS exercises had neither a positive nor negative effect on RSI performance in female Division I soccer players.…”

“…While some of the previous studies reported no change, or an increase in RSI and Kleg after SS (Henriquez-Olguin et al, 2015;Stafilidis and Tilp, 2015;Werstein & Lund, 2012;Hobara et al, 2011;Hoge et al, 2010;Tsolakis et al, 2010), others reported that RSI and Kleg were negatively affected by SS (Konrad et al, 2017;Miyamoto et al, 2017; VOLUME --| ISSUE -| 2020 | 3 Taniguchi et al, 2015;Pasqua et al, 2014;Akagi and Takahashi, 2013;Mizuno et al, 2013;Kallerud and Gleeson, 2013;Ryan et al, 2008;Reid and McNair, 2004). These contradictory results might be due to sex and physical fitness level of the subjects, the SS program (intensity, volume), and the devices used for measuring RSI and Kleg (Miyamoto et al, 2017;Pasqua et al, 2014;Akagi and Takahashi, 2013;Werstein and Lund, 2012;Hobara et al, 2011;Reid and McNair, 2004). Indeed, the device used for measurement (accelerometric system, force plate, elastography, different mathematical models) is considered to be the most important factor to affect the results (Taniguchi et al, 2015;Werstein and Lund, 2012;Tsolakis et al, 2010;Lloyd et al, 2009;Reid and McNair, 2004).…”

“…Although RSI and Kleg are important in monitoring muscle performance, there is no clear conclusion on the effects of different volumes of SS on RSI and Kleg, and previous studies have reported contradictory results (Konrad et al, 2017;Miyamoto et al, 2017;Stafilidis & Tilp, 2015;Taniguchi et al, 2015;Pasqua et al, 2014;Akagi and Takahashi, 2013;Mizuno et al, 2013;Kallerud and Gleeson, 2013;Werstein and Lund, 2012;Hobara et al, 2011;Hoge et al, 2010;Ryan et al, 2008;Reid and McNair, 2004). While some of the previous studies reported no change, or an increase in RSI and Kleg after SS (Henriquez-Olguin et al, 2015;Stafilidis and Tilp, 2015;Werstein & Lund, 2012;Hobara et al, 2011;Hoge et al, 2010;Tsolakis et al, 2010), others reported that RSI and Kleg were negatively affected by SS (Konrad et al, 2017;Miyamoto et al, 2017; VOLUME --| ISSUE -| 2020 | 3 Taniguchi et al, 2015;Pasqua et al, 2014;Akagi and Takahashi, 2013;Mizuno et al, 2013;Kallerud and Gleeson, 2013;Ryan et al, 2008;Reid and McNair, 2004). These contradictory results might be due to sex and physical fitness level of the subjects, the SS program (intensity, volume), and the devices used for measuring RSI and Kleg (Miyamoto et al, 2017;Pasqua et al, 2014;Akagi and Takahashi, 2013;Werstein and Lund, 2012;Hobara et al, 2011;Reid and McNair, 2004).…”