Effects of Dynamic Stretching Exercise Training on Muscle Tendon Unit

Muscle stretching is a common practice applied in warm-up process to enhance performance in sports and to prevent or decrease the risk of sports injury. Muscle stretching is also used for therapeutic purposes in many clinical conditions.

It is generally performed in either static or dynamic manner. The effects of stretching depend on the type, duration and timing of stretching. However, the acute and chronic effects of a stretching can be different in the same muscle.

Recent studies suggest that static stretching has adverse effects on performance, reduces maximal muscle force and is not successful in preventing non-contact injuries, as believed so. Dynamic type is reported to improve flexibility and range of motion better. But there is still debate over which prescription provides the best results in terms of flexibility, power, performance or injury protection. And the answer to the question what happens to the viscoelastic properties of a muscle when it is stretched dynamically for some period of time has not been clearly established.

This study is planned to investigate the effect of a 5-week dynamic stretching exercise training on muscle tendon unit of gastrocnemius muscle. The effects of the training program will be assessed by ultrasound.