Affiliations: [a] Sports Medical Center, Japan Institute of Sport Sciences, Tokyo, Japan | [b] Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Junpei Sasadai, Sports Medical Center, Japan Institute of Sport Sciences, 3-15-1 Nishigaoka, Kita-ku, Tokyo 115-0056, Japan. Tel.: +81 359630213; Fax: +81 359630233; E-mail: j.sasadai@gmail.com;jumpei.sasadai@jpnsport.go.jp.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The effects of a long-term static stretching program on physical performance parameters have not been elucidated completely, although the effects on muscle flexibility have a consensus. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of a long-term static stretching program on physical performance and muscle properties. METHODS: Participants performed a 2-min static stretching for the ankle joint 5 times per week for 4 weeks. Physical performance and muscle properties was measured before and after the static stretching program. RESULTS: Results showed that range of motion (ROM), dynamic postural stability, and muscle hardness were positively changed, whereas other variables i.e. maximal isometric plantar flexion moment, jump heights, muscle-tendon junction displacement and its angle, were not. CONCLUSIONS: Four-week of SS program may improve ROM, dynamic postural stability, and muscle hardness without decreasing physical performance.
