Baseline muscle tendon unit stiffness does not affect static stretching of the ankle plantar flexor muscles

Abstract

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of baseline muscle tendon unit stiffness on static stretching. [Participants and Methods] Eighteen healthy males were divided into two groups according to their muscle tendon unit stiffness as follows: High (n=9) and Low (n=9). Flexibility assessment was performed before and after 10 minutes of static stretching. Alterations in range of motion, passive torque at the terminal range of motion, muscle tendon unit stiffness, muscle tendon junction displacement, and tendon length were examined. [Results] No significant interactions were found in all the measurements. After static stretching, the range of motion, passive torque, muscle tendon junction displacement, and tendon length increased, while muscle tendon unit stiffness decreased. There were significant differences in range of motion, muscle tendon unit stiffness, and muscle tendon junction displacement between the groups. [Conclusion] Ten minutes of static stretching increased the range of motion through a decrease in muscle tendon unit stiffness and an increase in tolerance in both groups. Differences in muscle tendon unit stiffness and muscle tendon junction displacement caused the differences in range of motion. Baseline muscle tendon unit stiffness had no effects on static stretching.