Affiliations: [a] Department of Team Sports, Academy of Physical
Education, Katowice, Poland | [b] Department of Sports Theory, Academy of Physical
Education, Katowice, Poland | [c] Department of Motor Control and Motor Learning,
Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland | [d] Department of Physiotherapy, University of Technology,
Opole, Poland
Abstract: Recent data, especially related to the molecular structure of muscle
tissue and the neurophysiological processes that control muscular speed and
force have questioned the benefits of stretching exercises performed prior to
dynamic physical activities such as sprinting or jumping. On the other hand
strength exercises with various types of muscle contraction and different
training loads have proven effective in developing running speed and jumping
performance. The present work attempted to verify the hypothesis concerning the
detrimental influence of stretching on running speed and anaerobic power of
lower limbs, while confirming the benefits of strength exercises on these motor
abilities. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the short-term
effects of stretching and strength exercises on running speed and jumping
performance in competitive basketball players. The results showed significant
changes in all of six variables used to evaluate lower limb power and running
speed. Vertical jump performance showed increased tendencies in a microcycle
without stretching, yet with strength exercises focused on lower limb extensors
and flexors. Take-off speed, maximal jump height, work output and power during
this microcycle were significantly higher in comparison to a weekly cycle were
stretching was incorporated in the warm-up and prior to testing. In the case of
running speed, the 3 treatments revealed significant differences, yet once
again strength exercises compared to stretching allowed reaching of faster
times for the 5 and 20 m sprint, respectively.
