Quadriceps or triceps surae proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching with post-stretching dynamic activities does not induce acute changes in running economy
1 Dezember 2022
Konrad, A., Tilp, M., Stöcker, F., Mehmeti, L., Mahnič, N., Seiberl, W., Behm, D. G. & Paternoster, F. K. (2022). Quadriceps or triceps surae proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching with post-stretching dynamic activities does not induce acute changes in running economy. Frontiers in Physiology, 13, 981108. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2022.981108
Abstract:
Previous studies reported that both a more compliant quadriceps tendon and a stiffer Achilles tendon are associated with better running economy. While tendon stiffness can be decreased by a single bout of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), post-stretching dynamic activities (PSA) can counteract the potential stretch-induced force loss. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate if a single, moderate duration, (4 × 15 s), bout of PNF stretching of either the quadriceps or triceps surae muscles followed each by PSA, causes either an improvement or impairment in running economy. Eighteen trained male runners/triathletes visited the laboratory five times. The first two visits were to familiarize the participants and to test for maximal oxygen consumption (VO<sub>2</sub>max) respectively. The further three appointments were randomly assigned to either 1.) quadriceps PNF stretching + PSA or 2.) triceps surae PNF stretching + PSA or 3.) no stretching + PSA. Following the interventions, participants performed a 15-min run on the treadmill with a speed reflecting a velocity of 70% VO<sub>2</sub>max to assess oxygen consumption (i.e., running economy) and running biomechanics. Our results showed neither a difference in oxygen consumption (p = 0.15) nor a change in any variable of the running biomechanics (p > 0.33) during the steady-state (i.e., last 5 min) of the 15-min run. Athletes can perform moderate duration PNF stretching of the quadriceps or triceps surae + PSA prior to a running event, without affecting running economy. Future studies should emphasize long-term training effects on tendon stiffness adaptations and running economy.
Professur für Bewegungswissenschaften mit einem Schwerpunkt Digitalisierung
