Acute effects of different antagonist muscle stretching methods on agonist muscle strength performance in trained men

Abstract

In the scientific literature, the most commonly used stretching methods are: static (SS), dynamic (DS), and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF). Some studies show that stretching can have deleterious effects on strength performance. However, some evidence suggests that stretching, when applied to antagonist muscles, can positively influence strength performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of different stretching methods for antagonist muscles on the total training volume (TTV) in a strength training (ST) session in trained men. The sample consisted of 22 trained men. Entry into the experimental protocols was random, through a draw, and performed on four different days: 1) PNF stretching protocol for antagonists followed by an ST session (GPNF); 2) SS protocol for antagonists followed by an ST session (GSS); 3) DS protocol for antagonists followed by an ST session (GDS); 4) protocol without stretching followed by an ST session (GCON). As a result, no significant differences were observed in TTV when comparing the different experimental protocols. In conclusion, stretching exercises, when applied acutely to antagonist muscles, regardless of the method, do not promote deleterious effects on the TTV of agonist muscles.