The Effects of Static and Ballistic Stretching on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness and Creatine Kinase

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if static and ballistic stretching would induce significant amounts of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and increases in creatine kinase (CK). Twenty males were randomly assigned to a static (STATIC) or ballistic stretching (BALLISTIC) group. All performed three sets of 17 stretches during a 90-min period, the only group difference being that STATIC remained stationary during each 60-s stretch while BALLISTIC performed bouncing movements. Subjective ratings of DOMS (scale: 1-10) and serum CK levels were assessed before and every 24 hours post stretching, for 5 days. A repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant main effect due to time (p < 0.05), with peak soreness occurring at 24 hours after (M = 2.8 +/- 1.6). Surprisingly, a group effect (p < .05) demonstrated that DOMS was significantly greater for STATIC than for BALLISTIC. At 24 hours there was a 62% (p < .05) increase in CK for combined groups. These findings indicate that similar bouts of static and ballistic stretching induce significant increases in DOMS and CK in subjects unaccustomed to such exercise. Furthermore, static stretching induced significantly more DOMS than did ballistic.

Acute effects of static stretching duration on isokinetic peak torque production of soccer players

“…Tissue damage is another possibility explaining acute performance decrement, as prolonged static stretching can significantly increase muscle soreness and damage, as indicated by elevated creatine kinase in the blood (Smith et al, 1993). Shrier (2004) also claims that the mechanism by which stretching would be detrimental in tests of performance related to force produced is most likely related to damage caused at the time of the stretch.…”

Preferential Type II Muscle Fiber Damage From Plyometric Exercise

“…8 Perceived muscle soreness scores were 0, none; 2, discomfort; 4, annoying; 6, horrible; 8, dreadful; 10, agonizing. A categorical visual pain scale was placed in front of the participant to record the perceived muscle soreness while in the standing and squat positions.…”

Golgi tendon organ reflex inhibition following manually applied acute static stretching

“…increasing joint range of motion). However, some studies (Behm & Chaouachi, 2011;Smith et al, 1993;Wilson et al, 2010) suggest static stretching may be detrimental for cramp prevention. Static stretching reportedly increases the metabolic cost of running (Wilson et al, 2010), increases delayed onset muscle soreness and creatine kinase levels (Smith et al, 1993) and impairs functional muscle performance (Behm & Chaouachi, 2011;Wilson et al, 2010).…”

“…However, some studies (Behm & Chaouachi, 2011;Smith et al, 1993;Wilson et al, 2010) suggest static stretching may be detrimental for cramp prevention. Static stretching reportedly increases the metabolic cost of running (Wilson et al, 2010), increases delayed onset muscle soreness and creatine kinase levels (Smith et al, 1993) and impairs functional muscle performance (Behm & Chaouachi, 2011;Wilson et al, 2010). Increasing metabolic rate may lead to the earlier onset of fatigue causing cramps to occur earlier (Schwellnus, 2009) while muscle damage (as indicated by elevated creatine kinase or soreness) could induce pain which has been shown to alter cramp susceptibility Serrao et al, 2007).…”