Acute Effect of Static Stretching and Pilates Stretching on the Concentric Muscle Strength of the Knee Extensors and Flexors

Introduction: Studies have shown that static stretching performed immediately before strength exercises impairs performance. However, unlike static stretching, dynamic stretching performed immediately before muscular strength exercises does not seem to result in worse performance, and in some cases may even provide greater strength performance. Still, the literature is controversial and inconclusive to date.

Objective: To verify the acute effect of static stretching versus dynamic stretching on the muscle strength of young university students.

Methods: The sample will consist of 102 physically active young university students, of both sexes, aged between 18 and 25 years old, subdivided into three groups: Group 1 - static stretching; Group 2 - dynamic stretching; and Group 3 - control. Everyone will undergo assessment of the isokinetic peak torque of the knee extensor and flexor muscles at 60º/s and 180º/s in the dominant lower limb. Next, the experimental groups (Groups 1 and 2) will perform static or dynamic stretching exercises for the quadriceps and hamstring muscles, while the control group will not perform any activity. Finally, everyone will undergo muscle strength assessment again according to the same procedures used initially. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) will be used to compare groups, with data from the initial assessment as adjustment covariates.