static stretching sport performance sprint

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine which phase of a 30-m and 40-
m sprint was affected by preperformance static prolonged muscle stretching
and it can diminish the peak force output of subsequent maximal isometric,
concentric and stretch-shortening contractions. Data were collected from
seventeen elite and professional male soccer players team performed
electronically timed 30 m and 40m sprints with and without prior stretching of
the legs. The experiment was done as part of each athlete’s tuesday work-out programme. Four different stretch protocols were used, with each protocol completed on a different day. Hence, the test period lasted 4 weeks. On the first day; the athletes in the no-stretch condition completed a standard warm-up protocol and then performed three 30-m sprints, with a 2-minute rest between
each sprint. On the seconde day ,the athletes in the stretch condition performed the standard warm-up protocol, completed a stretching routine of the hamstrings, quadriceps, hip flexors and calf muscles, and then immediately performed three 30-m sprints, also with a 2-minute rest between each sprint.
Each stretching exercise was performed four times, and each time the stretch was maintained for 30 s. On the third and the fourth day, the athletes performed three 40-m sprints, in the no-stretch and stretch condition. The stretch protocols induced a significant (P < 0.05) increase (0.22 s) in the 30 m time and (0.11 s) in 40 m time. Static stretching before sprinting resulted in slower times in all
tow performance variables. These findings provide evidence that static stretching exerts a negative effect on sprint performance and should not be included as part of the preparation routine for physical activity that requires