Unit:
Κατεύθυνση Προπονητική ΑθλημάτωνLibrary of the School of Physical Education and Sport Science
Supervisors info:
Ολύβια Δόντη, Επίκουρη Καθηγήτρια -Βασική Γυμναστική, ΣΕΦΑΑ, ΕΚΠΑ
Original Title:
Αρχιτεκτονικές και λειτουργικές προσαρμογές κατά την χρόνια διάταση σε αθλήτριες αναπτυξιακών ηλικιών
Translated title:
Architectural and functional adaptations following long-term static stretch training in developmental age female athletes
Summary:
This study examined the effect of a 12-weeks static stretching training on gastrocnemius architecture, ankle angle and vertical jumping performance. Twenty-one adolescent female volleyball players performed supplementary stretching training of the plantar flexors, using a single-leg stretching design with the contra-lateral limb serving as control (SL and CL, respectively). At baseline, week 12 and 3 weeks into detraining, gastrocnemii architecture at the medial (MP) and the distal part (DP), and ankle angle at rest and during stretching, and gastrocnemius cross-sectional area were measured in both legs. At weeks 0-12, one-leg countermovement jump height and rate of force development were also measured. Ankle angle increased in both legs at rest and during stretching (p12<0.001) and this increase was maintained (p15>0.821). However, ankle angle during stretching was larger in the SL compared to CL (p12<0.001 and p15<0.001). Resting fascicle length of SL increased in the MD of gastrocnemius medialis following intervention (p12=0.006) and did not change during detraining (p15=0.159). Greater fascicle elongation was observed in the SL compared to the CL in the MP of gastrocnemius medialis and the DP of gastrocnemius lateralis at week 12 (p12<0.001) and 15 (p15>0.241). Anatomical cross-sectional area increased in both legs (p12<0.001) and was maintained into detraining (p15>0.975). However, greater increase was observed in the SL compared to the CL (p<0.001). Gastrocnemius lateralis pennation angle decreased and gastrocnemius medialis thickness increased in the MP and DP parts, with no differences between legs (p<0.003 and p<0.002, respectively). Jumping height increased in both legs (p12=0.019) with a greater increase observed in the SL (p=0.001). No difference was found between legs in rate of force development (p>0.141). Chronic stretching increases range of motion and jumping height in adolescent athletes. Moreover, stretching training increases fascicular extensibility and stimulates muscle hypertrophy, thus, altering growth strategy of muscle geometry.
Main subject category:
Education - Sport science
Keywords:
muscle architecture, fascicle length, ultrasonography, puberty, range of motion, rate of force development, volleyball
Number of references:
218
