Download PDF
Int J Sports Med 2009; 30(1): 60-65
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1038738
Orthopedics & Biomechanics

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Effects of Stretching on Peak Torque and the H : Q Ratio

P. B. Costa1 , E. D. Ryan1 , T. J. Herda1 , J. M. DeFreitas1 , T. W. Beck1 , J. T. Cramer1
  • 1Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, United States
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision April 30, 2008

Publication Date:
23 July 2008 (online)

Also available at
    Permissions and Reprints

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to examine the acute effects of hamstring and calf stretching on leg extension and flexion peak torque (PT) and the hamstrings-to-quadriceps (H : Q) ratio during maximal, concentric isokinetic muscle actions at 60, 180, and 300° · s−1 in women. Thirteen women (mean age ± SD = 20.8 ± 1.8 yrs; height = 163.0 ± 5.7 cm; mass = 64.0 ± 8.3 kg) performed 3 maximal concentric isokinetic leg extension and flexion muscle actions at 3 randomly ordered angular velocities (60, 180, and 300° · s−1) before and after a bout of static stretching. The stretching protocol consisted of 1 unassisted and 3 assisted static stretching exercises designed to stretch the posterior muscles of the thigh and leg. Four repetitions of each stretch were held for 30 s with 20 s rest between repetitions. The results indicated that leg flexion PT decreased from pre- to post-stretching (34.9 ± 3.5 and 32.4 ± 3.2 Nm, respectively) collapsed across velocity. However, no other changes were observed from pre- to post-stretching for leg extension PT (78.5 ± 5.9 and 77.8 ± 5.5 Nm, respectively) and the H : Q ratio (0.47 ± 0.04 and 0.44 ± 0.03, respectively). Our findings suggested that despite the stretching-induced decreases in leg flexion PT, leg extension PT and the H : Q ratios were unaltered by the stretching.

Key words

stretching‐induced - strength - muscle strain - muscle injury - knee injury - injury risk

References

  • 1 Aagaard P, Simonsen E B, Andersen J L, Magnusson S P, Bojsen-Moller F, Dyhre-Poulsen P. Antagonist muscle coactivation during isokinetic knee extension.  Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2000;  10 58-67
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 2 Aagaard P, Simonsen E B, Magnusson S P, Larsson B, Dyhre-Poulsen P. A new concept for isokinetic hamstring: quadriceps muscle strength ratio.  Am J Sports Med. 1998;  26 231-237
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 3 Agre J C. Hamstring injuries. Proposed aetiological factors, prevention, and treatment.  Sports Med. 1985;  2 21-33
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 4 Ahmad C S, Clark A M, Heilmann N, Schoeb J S, Gardner T R, Levine W N. Effect of gender and maturity on quadriceps-to-hamstring strength ratio and anterior cruciate ligament laxity.  Am J Sports Med. 2006;  34 370-374
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 5 Alpkaya U, Koceja D. The effects of acute static stretching on reaction time and force.  J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2007;  47 147-150
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 6 American College of Sports Medicine .ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. 6th edn. Philadelphia; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 2000
    Google Scholar
  • 7 Arendt E, Dick R. Knee injury patterns among men and women in collegiate basketball and soccer. NCAA data and review of literature.  Am J Sports Med. 1995;  23 694-701
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 8 Armstrong R B, Duan C, Delp M D, Hayes D A, Glenn G M, Allen G D. Elevations in rat soleus muscle [Ca2+] with passive stretch.  J Appl Physiol. 1993;  74 2990-2997
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 9 Baumgartner T A, Hensley L D. Conducting and Reading Research in Health and Human Performance. 4th edn. New York; McGraw-Hill 2006
    Google Scholar
  • 10 Behm D G, Bambury A, Cahill F, Power K. Effect of acute static stretching on force, balance, reaction time, and movement time.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2004;  36 1397-1402
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 11 Behm D G, Button D C, Butt J C. Factors affecting force loss with prolonged stretching.  Can J Appl Physiol. 2001;  26 261-272
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 12 Bixler B, Jones R L. High-school football injuries: effects of a post-halftime warm-up and stretching routine.  Fam Pract Res J. 1992;  12 131-139
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 13 Blair S, Kohl H WI, Goodyear N. Relative risks for running and exercise injuries: studies in three populations.  Research Quarterly. 1987;  58 221-228
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 14 Brown L E, Whitehurst M, Gilbert R, Buchalter D N. The effect of velocity and gender on load range during knee extension and flexion exercise on an isokinetic device.  J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 1995;  21 107-112
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 15 Brunet M E, Cook S D, Brinker M R, Dickinson J A. A survey of running injuries in 1505 competitive and recreational runners.  J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 1990;  30 307-315
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 16 Clanton T O, Coupe K J. Hamstring strains in athletes: diagnosis and treatment.  J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 1998;  6 237-248
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 17 Colliander E B, Tesch P A. Bilateral eccentric and concentric torque of quadriceps and hamstring muscles in females and males.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 1989;  59 227-232
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 18 Coombs R, Garbutt G. Developments in the use of the hamstring/quadriceps ratio for the assessment of muscle balance.  J Sports Sci Med. 2002;  1 56-62
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 19 Cramer J T, Beck T W, Housh T J, Massey L L, Marek S M, Danglemeier S, Purkayastha S, Culbertson J Y, Fitz K A, Egan A D. Acute effects of static stretching on characteristics of the isokinetic angle – torque relationship, surface electromyography, and mechanomyography.  J Sports Sci. 2007;  25 687-698
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 20 Cramer J T, Housh T J, Evetovich T K, Johnson G O, Ebersole K T, Perry S R, Bull A J. The relationships among peak torque, mean power output, mechanomyography, and electromyography in men and women during maximal, eccentric isokinetic muscle actions.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 2002;  86 226-232
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 21 Cramer J T, Housh T J, Johnson G O, Miller J M, Coburn J W, Beck T W. Acute effects of static stretching on peak torque in women.  J Strength Cond Res. 2004;  18 236-241
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 22 Cramer J T, Housh T J, Johnson G O, Weir J P, Beck T W, Coburn J W. An acute bout of static stretching does not affect maximal eccentric isokinetic peak torque, the joint angle at peak torque, mean power, electromyography, or mechanomyography.  J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2007;  37 130-139
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 23 Cramer J T, Housh T J, Weir J P, Johnson G O, Coburn J W, Beck T W. The acute effects of static stretching on peak torque, mean power output, electromyography, and mechanomyography.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 2005;  93 530-539
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 24 Croisier J L, Forthomme B, Namurois M H, Vanderthommen M, Crielaard J M. Hamstring muscle strain recurrence and strength performance disorders.  Am J Sports Med. 2002;  30 199-203
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 25 Crone C. Reciprocal inhibition in man.  Dan Med Bull. 1993;  40 571-581
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 26 Devan M R, Pescatello L S, Faghri P, Anderson J. A prospective study of overuse knee injuries among female athletes with muscle imbalances and structural abnormalities.  J Athl Train. 2004;  39 263-267
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 27 Drezner J A. Practical management: hamstring muscle injuries.  Clin J Sport Med. 2003;  13 48-52
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 28 Egan A D, Cramer J T, Massey L L, Marek S M. Acute effects of static stretching on peak torque and mean power output in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I women's basketball players.  J Strength Cond Res. 2006;  20 778-782
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 29 Ekstrand J, Gillquist J, Liljedahl S O. Prevention of soccer injuries. Supervision by doctor and physiotherapist.  Am J Sports Med. 1983;  11 116-120
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 30 Ekstrand J, Gillquist J, Moller M, Oberg B, Liljedahl S O. Incidence of soccer injuries and their relation to training and team success.  Am J Sports Med. 1983;  11 63-67
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 31 Evetovich T K, Nauman N J, Conley D S, Todd J B. Effect of static stretching of the biceps brachii on torque, electromyography, and mechanomyography during concentric isokinetic muscle actions.  J Strength Cond Res. 2003;  17 484-488
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 32 Fowles J R, Sale D G, MacDougall J D. Reduced strength after passive stretch of the human plantarflexors.  J Appl Physiol. 2000;  89 1179-1188
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 33 Glick J M. Muscle strains: prevention and treatment.  Physician Sportsmed. 1980;  8 73-77
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 34 Heiser T M, Weber J, Sullivan G, Clare P, Jacobs R R. Prophylaxis and management of hamstring muscle injuries in intercollegiate football players.  Am J Sports Med. 1984;  12 368-370
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 35 Herda T J, Cramer J T, Ryan E D, McHugh M P, Stout J R. Acute effects of static versus dynamic stretching on isometric peak torque, electromyography, and mechanomyography of the biceps femoris muscle.  J Strength Cond Res. 2008;  22 809-817
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 36 Holcomb W R. Stretching and warm-up. Baechle T, Earle R Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning. Champaign; Human Kinetics 2000: 321-342
    Google Scholar
  • 37 Holcomb W R, Rubley M D, Lee H J, Guadagnoli M A. Effect of hamstring-emphasized resistance training on hamstring : quadriceps strength ratios.  J Strength Cond Res. 2007;  21 41-47
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 38 Hoskins W, Pollard H. The management of hamstring injury – part 1: issues in diagnosis.  Man Ther. 2005;  10 96-107
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 39 Howell D W. Musculoskeletal profile and incidence of musculoskeletal injuries in lightweight women rowers.  Am J Sports Med. 1984;  12 278-282
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 40 Ireland M L. Anterior cruciate ligament injury in female athletes: epidemiology.  J Athl Train. 1999;  34 150-154
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 41 Jacobs S J, Berson B L. Injuries to runners: a study of entrants to a 10 000 meter race.  Am J Sports Med. 1986;  14 151-155
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 42 Jenkins W L, Killian C B, Williams 3rd D S. Anterior cruciate ligament injury in female and male athletes: the relationship between foot structure and injury.  J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2007;  97 371-376
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 43 Kerner J A, D'Amico J C. A statistical analysis of a group of runners.  J Am Podiatry Assoc. 1983;  73 160-164
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 44 Knapik J J, Bauman C L, Jones B H, Harris J M, Vaughan L. Preseason strength and flexibility imbalances associated with athletic injuries in female collegiate athletes.  Am J Sports Med. 1991;  19 76-81
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 45 Knapik J J, Jones B H, Bauman C L, Harris J M. Strength, flexibility and athletic injuries.  Sports Med. 1992;  14 277-288
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 46 Kokkonen J, Nelson A G, Cornwell A. Acute muscle stretching inhibits maximal strength performance.  Res Q Exerc Sport. 1998;  69 411-415
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 47 Little T, Williams A G. Effects of differential stretching protocols during warm-ups on high-speed motor capacities in professional soccer players.  J Strength Cond Res. 2006;  20 203-207
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 48 Macera C A, Pate R R, Powell K E, Jackson K L, Kendrick J S, Craven T E. Predicting lower-extremity injuries among habitual runners.  Arch Intern Med. 1989;  149 2565-2568
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 49 Magnusson S P, Simonsen E B, Aagaard P, Kjaer M. Biomechanical responses to repeated stretches in human hamstring muscle in vivo.  Am J Sports Med. 1996;  24 622-628
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 50 Malliaropoulos N, Papalexandris S, Papalada A, Papacostas E. The role of stretching in rehabilitation of hamstring injuries: 80 athletes follow-up.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2004;  36 756-759
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 51 McHugh M P, Magnusson S P, Gleim G W, Nicholas J A. Viscoelastic stress relaxation in human skeletal muscle.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1992;  24 1375-1382
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 52 Nelson A G, Driscoll N M, Landin D K, Young M A, Schexnayder I C. Acute effects of passive muscle stretching on sprint performance.  J Sports Sci. 2005;  23 449-454
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 53 Nosse L. Assessment of selected reports on the strength relationship of the knee musculature.  J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 1982;  4 78-85
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 54 Ogura Y, Miyahara Y, Naito H, Katamoto S, Aoki J. Duration of static stretching influences muscle force production in hamstring muscles.  J Strength Cond Res. 2007;  21 788-792
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 55 Orchard J, Marsden J, Lord S, Garlick D. Preseason hamstring muscle weakness associated with hamstring muscle injury in Australian footballers.  Am J Sports Med. 1997;  25 81-85
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 56 Perrine J J, Edgerton V R. Muscle force-velocity and power-velocity relationships under isokinetic loading.  Med Sci Sports. 1978;  10 159-166
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 57 Powell J W, Barber-Foss K D. Sex-related injury patterns among selected high school sports.  Am J Sports Med. 2000;  28 385-391
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 58 Rosenbaum D, Hennig E M. The influence of stretching and warm-up exercises on Achilles tendon reflex activity.  J Sports Sci. 1995;  13 481-490
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 59 Rosene J M, Fogarty T D, Mahaffey B L. Isokinetic hamstrings: quadriceps ratios in intercollegiate athletes.  J Athl Train. 2001;  36 378-383
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 60 Rubini E C, Costa A L, Gomes P S. The effects of stretching on strength performance.  Sports Med. 2007;  37 213-224
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 61 Ryan E D, Beck T W, Herda T J, Hull H R, Hartman M J, Stout J R, Cramer J T. Do practical durations of stretching alter plantar flexion strength? A dose-response study.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2008; 
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 62 Shellock F G, Prentice W E. Warming-up and stretching for improved physical performance and prevention of sports-related injuries.  Sports Med. 1985;  2 267-278
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 63 Sherry M A, Best T M. A comparison of 2 rehabilitation programs in the treatment of acute hamstring strains.  J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2004;  34 116-125
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 64 Shrier I. Stretching before exercise does not reduce the risk of local muscle injury: a critical review of the clinical and basic science literature.  Clin J Sport Med. 1999;  9 221-227
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 65 Siatras T, Papadopoulos G, Mameletzi D, Gerodimos V, Kellis S. Static and dynamic acute stretching effect on gymnasts' speed in vaulting.  Pediatr Exerc Sci. 2003;  15 383-391
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 66 Stamford B. Flexibility and stretching.  Physician Sportsmed. 1984;  12 171
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 67 Thacker S B, Gilchrist J, Stroup D F, Kimsey Jr C D. The impact of stretching on sports injury risk: a systematic review of the literature.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2004;  36 371-378
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 68 Vincent W J. Statistics in Kinesiology. 3rd edn. Champaign; Human Kinetics 2005
    Google Scholar
  • 69 Wallmann H W, Mercer J A, McWhorter J W. Surface electromyographic assessment of the effect of static stretching of the gastrocnemius on vertical jump performance.  J Strength Cond Res. 2005;  19 684-688
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 70 Walter S D, Hart L E, McIntosh J M, Sutton J R. The Ontario cohort study of running-related injuries.  Arch Intern Med. 1989;  149 2561-2564
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 71 Weir D E, Tingley J, Elder G C. Acute passive stretching alters the mechanical properties of human plantar flexors and the optimal angle for maximal voluntary contraction.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 2005;  93 614-623
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 72 Weldon S M, Hill R H. The efficacy of stretching for prevention of exercise-related injury: a systematic review of the literature.  Man Ther. 2003;  8 141-150
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 73 Whiting W C, Zernicke R F. Biomechanics of Musculoskeletal Injury. Champaign; Human Kinetics 1998
    Google Scholar
  • 74 Wilber C A, Holland G J, Madison R E, Loy S F. An epidemiological analysis of overuse injuries among recreational cyclists.  Int J Sports Med. 1995;  16 201-206
    Article in Thieme ConnectPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 75 Woods K, Bishop P, Jones E. Warm-up and stretching in the prevention of muscular injury.  Sports Med. 2007;  37 1089-1099
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 76 Yamaguchi T, Ishii K. Effects of static stretching for 30 seconds and dynamic stretching on leg extension power.  J Strength Cond Res. 2005;  19 677-683
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar

Dr. Ph.D. Joel T. Cramer

University of Oklahoma
Health and Exercise Science

Norman, Oklahoma 73019

United States

Fax: + 1 40 53 25 05 94

Email: jcramer@ou.edu

      >