Static Stretching Acutely Impairs:
- Slow-speed, High Force Movements (Power lifting)
- High-speed, Lower Force Movements (Jumping & Sprinting)
- Research also demonstrates that balance, reaction time and overall movement time are
negatively affected. - Endurance athletes will be interested to know that static stretching also reduces
muscular endurance. - Static stretching some muscles before activity may be required if they are so tight they
impede movement. Usually the Psoas and the Scalenes fall into this category. There are
always exceptions to the rule so be aware of client needs.
Two Factors:
- Muscle/Tendon
- Neuromuscular
Muscle/Tendon
- Prolonged stretching can actually make the muscle and tendon overly compliant.
- Whenever we want to develop force in a muscle, it is important that we have plenty of
stiffness as this allows for better use of stored, elastic energy in the muscle and tendon,
and ensures that everything lines up properly at the level of the muscle fibers.
Nervous System
- Due to motor control and reflex sensitivity, stretching makes it harder for the nervous
system to tell the muscle to fire.
Static Stretching has its benefits:
Post Workout:
- Relaxation
- Increase or maintain a particular range of motion
- After weight training
- After walking/running
- After aerobic activity