Abstract
The effects of an 8-week unilateral contract-relax (CR) stretching training program (passive stretch after isometric contraction) on muscular performance were investigated in a group of 16 athletes. The flexibility, maximum torque and angular position as well as contraction work in movements of the knee joint were determined before training and after 4 and 8 weeks of training. The torque measurements were performed under isokinetic conditions, eccentrically at angular velocities of 60° · s−1 and 120° · s−1, isometrically at five different joint positions, and concentrically at angular velocities of 60, 120, 180 and 240° · s−1 using an isokinetic dynamometer. A surface electromyogram (EMG) of the thigh muscles (quadriceps and hamstrings) was recorded simultaneously. As compared to untrained control limbs, significant improvements in active and passive flexibility (up to 6.3° in range of motion), maximum torque (up to 21.6%) and work (up to 12.9%) were observed, and these were especially pronounced under eccentric load conditions. A comparison between integrated EMG recordings during eccentric and concentric loads, as well as the interpretation of the training-induced changes in the EMG, suggest that muscular activity under eccentric loads may be impaired by mental processes.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Accepted: 1 March 1997
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Handel, M., Horstmann, T., Dickhuth, HH. et al. Effects of contract-relax stretching training on muscle performance in athletes. Eur J Appl Physiol 76, 400–408 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004210050268
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004210050268