Effect of Static Stretching on Agonists, Antagonists, and Agonist-Antagonist Combination on Total Training Volume.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Randomized crossover trial comparing four inter-set stretching conditions on leg extension volume
PubMed 37621382 · doi:10.70252/AKGR8444
What was done
Twelve resistance-trained men completed leg extension 10-repetition maximum (10RM) testing and performed multiple sets under four randomized inter-set static stretching protocols: quadriceps stretching (agonist, AG), hamstrings stretching (antagonist, AN), quadriceps and hamstrings stretching (agonist-antagonist, AGN), and traditional passive rest without stretching (TR). Total training volume (TTV) was measured and compared across protocols.
What was found
Total training volume was significantly lower (p ≤ 0.05) in the agonist stretching protocol compared to all other conditions: - AG: 4855.42 ± 1279.38 kg - AN: 6002.08 ± 1805.18 kg - AGN: 5977.50 ± 1778.49 kg - TR: 6206.04 ± 1796.15 kg
Why it matters
Static stretching of agonist muscles during inter-set rest impairs acute volume load during leg extensions, whereas stretching antagonist muscles preserves volume similar to standard rest.
Limits
The sample size was very small (n = 12) and restricted to resistance-trained men. Only acute volume in a single-joint machine exercise (leg extension) was assessed, leaving effects on multi-joint lifts, long-term adaptations, and female populations unmeasured. Stretch duration, intensity, and set counts were not specified in the abstract.
Cited by
- context Stretching between resistance training sets reduces power and strength output on subsequent efforts.