Ten seconds of passive stretching reduces the maximum strength

Abstract

Background: The flexibility and strength are the physical connected capabilities of the individual autonomy. When these are in adequate
levels a considerable improvement in the quality of life of children, young, adults and older people has been noted. Nevertheless, for
the development of these capabilities to be significant there must be an intervention of strength training (ST) and flexibility. However,
according to recent evidence, there may be a possible interference between these two capabilities when performed in the same session,
and the magnitude of this interference can be closely related to the duration and intensity of stretching. Objective: To assess whether
the series of high intensity stretching (Flexing or stretching to its maximum amplitude) lasting ten seconds could negatively influence
the strength generation. Method/Design: Were evaluated nine healthy volunteers practitioners of ST. Maximum strength was tested
with and without a single stretching series, before the 1RM test (test re-test). Data were presented as mean ± standard deviation
and the significance level was 0.05. Results: The results shows that the use of flexibility maneuver (FM) lasting 10 seconds in levels
8-10 visual analogue pain scale (classified as severe) was enough to depress at 3.15% (p = 0.021 95% CI = 0.42 to 4.01) maximum strength
of subjects when compared to the method without MF. Conclusions: These data suggests that stretching may negatively interfere with
the generation of maximum strength even in little time, leaving questionable practice for events that precede strength generation.