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Effects of passive stretching on post-activation potentiation and fibre conduction velocity of biceps brachii muscle

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Abstract

Stretching is usually part of warm-up routines in many sports, but it affects the subsequent muscle force; therefore, it could negatively influence post-activation potentiation (PAP), one of the warm-up’s main effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute effects of passive stretching on PAP and fibre conduction velocity (CV). Seven subjects underwent 2 experimental sessions, control (C) and stretching (S), each consisting of 2 series (7 min resting) of 3 maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) of biceps brachii (5 s isometric contraction, 10 s recovery). During the resting phase of the S session, the biceps brachii was passively stretched (5×45 s stretches, 15 s recovery). Root mean square (RMS), mean frequency (MF) and CV were calculated from electromyography. Peak torque (pT) and half-contraction time (1/2CT) were measured and normalised by the arm muscular area (pTn). After C, pTn increased and 1/2CT decreased (p<0.05); moreover, MF and CV increased (p<0.05). After S, 1/2CT increased (p<0.05) and RMS decreased (p<0.05). Passive stretching could blunt the effects of PAP, presumably due to mechanical and neuromuscular changes. The observed changes in CV suggest a possible decrease in Ca2+ sensitivity in contractile proteins. Therefore, the use of passive stretching in warm-up routines remains questionable.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sport Medicine Centre, Don G. Gnocchi Foundation, Milan, Italy

    Emiliano Cè, Arsenio Veicsteinas & Giampiero Merati

  2. Institute of Physical Exercise, Health and Sports (IEFSAS), University of Milan, Via G. Colombo 71, 20133, Milan, Italy

    Susanna Rampichini, Martina Anna Maggioni, Arsenio Veicsteinas & Giampiero Merati

  3. Istituto Interuniversitario di Miologia (IIM), Chieti, Italy

    Susanna Rampichini & Martina Anna Maggioni

Authors
  1. Emiliano Cè
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  2. Susanna Rampichini
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  3. Martina Anna Maggioni
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  4. Arsenio Veicsteinas
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  5. Giampiero Merati
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Correspondence to Martina Anna Maggioni.

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Cè, E., Rampichini, S., Maggioni, M.A. et al. Effects of passive stretching on post-activation potentiation and fibre conduction velocity of biceps brachii muscle. Sport Sci Health 4, 43–50 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-008-0066-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-008-0066-2

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