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Int J Sports Med 2008; 29(5): 414-418
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-964980
Orthopedics & Biomechanics

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Acute Changes in Hamstrings Musculo-Articular Dissipative Properties Induced by Cyclic and Static Stretching

A. Nordez1 , P. McNair2 , P. Casari3 , C. Cornu1
  • 1Université de Nantes, Nantes Atlantique Universités, Laboratoire “Motricité, Interactions, Performance”, JE 2438, UFR STAPS, Nantes, France
  • 2Physical Rehabilitation Research Centre, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
  • 3Université de Nantes, Nantes Atlantique Universités, CNRS, Institut de Recherche en Génie Civil et Mécanique, UMR 6183, UFR des Sciences et Techniques, Nantes, France
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision July 15, 2006

Publication Date:
13 September 2007 (online)

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Abstract

This study was designed to measure changes in musculo-articular dissipative properties related to viscosity that were induced by passive cyclic and static stretching. Musculo-articular dissipative properties were assessed by calculating a dissipation coefficient using potential elastic energies stored and restituted during cyclic stretching. Eight subjects performed five passive knee extensions/flexions cycles on a Biodex® dynamometer at 5° · s-1 to 80 % of their maximal range of motion before and after a static stretching protocol. Electromyographic activity from the hamstring muscles was monitored and remained constant during cyclic stretching and after static stretching (p > 0.05). The dissipation coefficient decreased during cyclic stretching (- 28.8 ± 6.0 %, p < 0.001), while it was slightly increased after static stretching (+ 3.8 ± 5.0 %, p = 0.037). The findings showed that energy stored and energy restituted decreased during cyclic stretching and after static stretching (p < 0.05). During unloading, passive torque remained constant during cyclic stretching, but was decreased after static stretching. The findings indicate that musculo-articular dissipative properties were primarily affected by a single cycle of motion, and were not influenced by static stretching procedures. The decrease in dissipation coefficient following cyclic motion indicates that the musculo-articular system displays thixotropic behavior.

Key words

passive torque - hysteresis - potential elastic energy - viscosity - thixotropy

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 Mr.
Christophe Cornu

UFR STAPS - Laboratoire Motricité, Interactions Performance (JE 2438)
Université de Nantes Nantes Atlantique Universités

25 bis, bd Guy Mollet, BP 72206

Nantes, F 44000

France

Phone: + 33 2 51 83 72 22

Fax: + 33 2 51 83 72 10

Email: christophe.cornu@univ-nantes.fr