Residual effects of static stretching and self-myofascial-release exercises on flexibility and lower body explosive strength in well-trained combat athletes
Affiliations: [a] School of Physical Education and Sports, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey | [b] Sport Sciences Faculty, Ege University, İzmir, Turkey | [c] Sport Sciences Faculty, Uşak University, Uşak, Turkey
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: İsa Sağiroğlu, School of Physical Education and Sports, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey. Tel.: +90 284 236 04 35; Fax: +90 284 236 04 36; E-mail:[email protected]
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The self-myofascial technique is a new exercise
modality that is thought to improve muscular performance and restore soft
tissue. However, there are limited empirical data demonstrating the efficacy
of this technique on athletic performance.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects
of self-myofascial-releasing exercises on the residual characteristics of
the sit and reach (S&R) and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance in
well-trained combat athletes.
METHODS: Sixteen well-trained male combat athletes (age: 23.9 ± 3.6 years, mass: 78.78 ± 10.41 kg, combat experience: 12.87 ± 5.23
years) performed three exercise sessions called ``aerobic running (AR)'',
``aerobic running combined with static stretching (AR + SS)'', and ``aerobic
running combined with self-myofascial release (AR + SMR)'' at 48 hour
intervals in a randomized crossover design. After each session, the subjects
performed the S&R and CMJ tests successively with 30-s of rest between
the tests at the 15th second and at the 2nd, 4th, 6th,
8th, 10th, 15th, and 30th minute during the recovery
period.
RESULTS: ANOVA and the post-hoc LSD (Least Significant Difference)
test revealed that the AR + SMR treatment increased the flexibility greater
than AR + SS (p= 0.029) at the 45th second. Additionally, the AR + SMR
treatment resulted in less of a decrease in CMJ height compared to AR + SS
at the 10th minute (p= 0.025). A larger decrease in the CMJ height was
found after AR + SS compared to the AR and AR + SMR treatments at the
10th and 15th minute, respectively (p= 0.025 and p= 0.038).
These results revealed that SMR had no advantage over AR and SS in terms of
enhancing flexibility. A statistically insignificant inhibitory effect of
SMR was detected on the CMJ performance. SS appeared to have an inhibitory
effect on the CMJ performance for approximately 15 minutes.
CONCLUSION: SMR may have a detrimental effect on CMJ
performance. Trainers or athletes should consider using the SMR technique
before training or competition to prevent possible power decrement.
