RESEARCH EXERCISE SCIENCESPORT EXERCISE SCIENCE Pre dyn

35 30 25 20 15 10

0 5 10 Ankle angle (deg)

were significant increases in plantarflexor isometric MVC (P<0.003). Static conditioning produced a 2.9% (4.2N) increase in MVC, whereas dynamic conditioning increased by 6% (8.6N). n Plantarflexor EMG amplitude was not significantly different after static and dynamic conditioning (P>0.05).

DISCUSSION If increasing ROM and decreasing stiffness are the primary objectives of a stretching programme, then the findings of the current investigation suggest that static stretch conditioning may be more effective than dynamic cyclic stretches. In contrast, dynamic stretch conditioning may be beneficial for activities requiring rapid force and maximal strength production.

Figure 3: Passive torque during a standard measurement stretch pre and post conditioning after passive dynamic stretching

15 20 Post dyn

References 1. Avela J, Kyröläinen H, Komi PV. Altered reflex sensitivity after repeated and prolonged passive muscle stretching. Journal of Applied Physiology 1999;86:1283–1291. 2. Wilson GJ, Murphy AJ, Pryor JF. Musculotendinous stiffness: its relationship to eccentric, isometric, and concentric performance. Journal of Applied Physiology 1994;76:2714–2719.

THE AUTHORS Clare Pheasey, BSc MSc is a BASES-accredited applied physiologist and has worked within sports science for 15 years. From a sports science support perspective, Clare has provided physiological support for two Paralympics swimming at both the Athens and Beijing Paralympic Games, and she currently leads the physiologist support for the English Women’s Golf Association (EWGA) and the English Golf Union (EGU). Academically, Clare is programme leader for the BSc sport and exercise science course at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Chris Morse, BSc PhD is a lecturer in exercise physiology at Manchester Metropolitan University and has an active research interest in in vivo muscle physiology. Chris has previously worked with the British shooting team and currently provides scientific support for a number of professional mixed martial art fighters.

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