The previous stretching to resistance training promotes adaptations on the postsynaptic region in different myofiber types

Abstract

This investigation revealed the postsynaptic morphological adaptations in static stretching, resistance training, and their association in adult male Wistar rats. We processed the soleus and plantaris muscle for histochemical (muscle hypertrophy) and postsynaptic region imaging techniques. We observed muscle hypertrophy in both groups submitted to resistance training, even though the cross-section area is larger when there is no previous static stretching. The soleus postsynaptic region revealed an increase in compactness and fragmentation index in combined exercise. The resistance training promotes high adaptations in the postsynaptic area of plantaris; moreover, the previous static stretching decreased this area. In conclusion, the neuromuscular system’s components respond according to the myofiber type even though it is the same physical exercise. Besides, static stretching (isolated or combined) plays a crucial role in neuromuscular adaptations.