Static Stretching Alters Neuromuscular Function and Pacing Strategy, but Not Performance during a 3-Km Running Time-Trial

Abstract

PurposePrevious studies report that static stretching (SS) impairs running economy. Assuming that pacing strategy relies on rate of energy use, this study aimed to determine whether SS would modify pacing strategy and performance in a 3-km running time-trial.MethodsEleven recreational distance runners performed a) a constant-speed running test without previous SS and a maximal incremental treadmill test; b) an anthropometric assessment and a constant-speed running test with previous SS; c) a 3-km time-trial familiarization on an outdoor 400-m track; d and e) two 3-km time-trials, one with SS (experimental situation) and another without (control situation) previous static stretching. The order of the sessions d and e were randomized in a counterbalanced fashion. Sit-and-reach and drop jump tests were performed before the 3-km running time-trial in the control situation and before and after stretching exercises in the SS. Running economy, stride parameters, and electromyographic activity (EMG) of vastus medialis (VM), biceps femoris (BF) and gastrocnemius medialis (GA) were measured during the constant-speed tests.ResultsThe overall running time did not change with condition (SS 11:35±00:31 s; control 11:28±00:41 s, p = 0.304), but the first 100 m was completed at a significantly lower velocity after SS. Surprisingly, SS did not modify the running economy, but the iEMG for the BF (+22.6%, p = 0.031), stride duration (+2.1%, p = 0.053) and range of motion (+11.1%, p = 0.0001) were significantly modified. Drop jump height decreased following SS (−9.2%, p = 0.001).ConclusionStatic stretch impaired neuromuscular function, resulting in a slow start during a 3-km running time-trial, thus demonstrating the fundamental role of the neuromuscular system in the self-selected speed during the initial phase of the race.

Head-to-head running race simulation alters pacing strategy, performance, and mood state

“…The running race simulations were performed on a 3-km asphalt course located within the University campus, which was completely flat and had few curves. This running distance has been chosen based on previous studies observing a U-shaped profile of running speed [25,26], providing three distinct sections for comparison (i.e., a fast start, a lower, constant speed in the middle section, and an end-spurt). In the COL condition, the participants were allocated into one of two groups (one group with four runners and another one with five runners).…”

The Effects Of An Acute Bout Of Self-myofascial Release On The Physiological Parameters Of Running

“…Baxter et al (4) suggests that endurance runners avoid static stretching during their warm-up and seek out other methods that do not decrease mechanical efficiency. Although there is conflicting evidence as to whether static stretching decreases running performance (4, 9,14,16,25), SMR may be attractive to athletes as an alternative to static stretching. SMR may act as a warm-up by increasing blood flow and preparing the athlete for competition (17,30).…”

“…Manual therapies such as sport massage is used to help prepare an athlete for competition, enhance athletic performance, improve recovery, and is used as an intervention for sportsrelated musculoskeletal injuries (9). The increased use of sport massage among recreational and professional athletes has led to the development of self-myofascial release (SMR) tools by numerous companies.…”

“…More recently, researchers found that static stretching did not affect submaximal oxygen cost or running economy. There were changes in the neuromuscular performance of the running muscles, but these changes were not detrimental to running speed or economy (1,9,16,26,34). SMR and therapist applied massage have also been found to significantly improve joint range of motion in the lower extremities, hamstrings, knee joint and hips (3,5,24,33).…”

Contribuições dos sistemas nervoso central e muscular no estabelecimento da estratégia de prova durante uma prova contrarrelógio de 4 km de ciclismo

“…A relevância desses parâmetros foi demonstrada no estudo de Damasceno et al (2014), onde a realização de alongamento estático antes de uma prova contrarrelógio de 3 km mudou o pacing strategy, piorando o trecho inicial da prova. Os autores sugeriram que aspectos neuromusculares foram alterados, tais como a integral da EMG do bíceps femoral, duração da passada e amplitude de movimento.…”