Effect of stretching on muscle strength in healthy people: a systematic review

Abstract

This work aimed to systematically review the literature to assess the effect of stretching on muscle strength in healthy people. The PubMed, Scopus and Scielo data sources were consulted, using the eligibility criteria: intervention with stretching and measurement of muscle strength performance in healthy people. Eighteen studies that met the criteria were included. The types of stretching used were continuous static 20%, intermittent static 60% and dynamic 20%. The types of strength evaluated were: maximum isometric strength (12.5%), maximum dynamic strength (66.66%) and muscle power (20.83%). 5.5% of the studies demonstrated increased muscle strength after stretching; 38.8% showed reduction after static stretching; 38.8% did not observe changes; and 16.6% had increased or reduced muscle strength depending on the type of stretching used. Based on the studies analyzed, performing static stretching prior to training, various manifestations of strength tended to reduce or not change muscle performance. It was not found a clear sign that the stretching performed before the strength training promotes an improvement in muscle performance.