Acute effects of static stretching or whole body vibration on peak torque and peak power of collegiate athletes

SummaryIntroductionSeveral studies have reported that stretching before exercise or performance events in fact reduces isometric muscle strength; conversely, recent studies suggested that low amplitude, low frequency mechanical stimulation of the human body is a harmless and efficient way to train musculoskeletal structures. The aim of this study was to compare the acute effects of static stretching and whole body vibration (WBV) on peak torque (PT) and peak power of collegiate athletes, and to see if there will be any positive effect of whole body vibration on possible decrease of peak power or torque after static stretching.Subjects and methodsTwenty college athletes enrolled in fitness class (age: 24.1 ± 2.38 years; body mass: 69.48 ± 11.40 kg; height: 174.15 ± 0.8 cm) volunteered to participate in the study. Peak torque and peak power data were obtained in a total of three days before and after stretching and after WBV.ResultsPost-stretching and vibration values for both extension and flexion position were not significantly higher than the baseline values even though there was significant difference between pre- stretching and post-stretching (P > 0.05). Peak torque values of the subjects were decreased insignificantly after stretching compared to baseline measurements.ConclusionTo conclude, these results may not be satisfactory to provide ultimate findings in solving the disagreement between the studies. In future studies, effects of static stretching and vibration on chosen physiological parameters should be investigated in different levels of athletes with different arrangements of frequency, duration and volume of vibration application combined with static stretching.

RésuméIntroductionPlusieurs études ont suggéré que la réalisation d’étirements avant l’exercice diminuait la force isométrique des muscles. À l’inverse, de récentes études mettent en évidence qu’une stimulation de type vibration corps entier à basse fréquence est un moyen efficace et sans risque pour entraîner le système musculaire. Le but de cette étude est de comparer les effets aigus d’étirements statiques et d’une sollicitation de type vibration corps entier sur le couple de force et la puissance musculaire des membres inférieurs chez des étudiants.MéthodesVingt étudiants sportifs inscrits à des cours de fitness (âge : 24,1 ± 2,38, masse corporelle : 69,48 ± 11,40 kg, taille : 174,15 ± 0,8 cm) ont volontairement participé à l’étude.RésultatsLes résultats obtenus après la vibration et l’étirement statique ne montrent aucune amélioration significative de la performance musculaire. À l’inverse, le couple de force a diminué de façon significative après l’étirement.ConclusionEn conclusion, ces résultats ne permettent pas de conclure à l’effet de la vibration et/ou des étirements sur la performance musculaire. Des études ultérieures sont nécessaires pour examiner l’effet de la vibration corps entier et des étirements statiques chez des sportifs de différents niveaux.