Scheduled for Biomechanics and Sports Medicine Free Communications, Saturday, April 5, 2003, 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM, Convention Center: 304


Selected Pre-Performance Protocols and Their Effect on Anaerobic Power Output

Russell E. Robinson, Greensboro College, Greensboro College, NC

Traditionally, static stretching (SS) and large muscle dynamic movement (DM) have been used as pre-performance activities and have been reported to enhance performance. The current research supports the idea that static stretching will not improve performance and in some cases may actually decrease performance. All of the research to date has focused on short bouts (<10s) of intense movement that involves the ATP-CP energy system. Very little research has extended the length of the testing protocols to include the next level of energy transfer, anaerobic glycolysis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of SS and DM activities on performance enhancement of the anaerobic glycolytic energy system. Methods. Twenty traditional college age students with high school and/or college athletic experience and no history orthopedic knee problems volunteered for the study. Subjects were assigned in random order to each of the three trials of SS, DM, and no-movement (NM) with each trial separated by one week. Following each condition, the subjects performed a Wingate Anaerobic Power Test. The total power output for 30s was used to determine the differences between the three groups. The SS consisted of five bilateral lower extremity stretches that spanned the hip, knee, and ankle. The stretches were consistent with sagittal plane movement patterns with each stretch performed four times for 30s. DM consisted of 10 minutes of cycle ergometry at a minimum of 60% of the subjects predicted maximal heart rate. NW consisted of 10 minutes of supine resting. Results. The mean differences were determined by ANOVA. There were no significant differences (p<.05) between the three trials. Discussion. This investigation differs from the current literature concerning pre-performance activities and performance enhancement. Most of the current research focused on the elastic properties of the stretched muscles and the muscles inability to perform maximal force output during short bursts (<10s) of power output. The theory is that the muscle continues to remain in an elongated state prior to performance and may decrease the muscles ability to store elastic energy. It appears that elastic properties of the stretched muscles are not as important when performing movement patterns that involve supramaximal power outputs that last for 30s. Conclusion. There were no differences in power output during the SS, DM, and NM trials during the 30s Wingate Anaerobic Power Test. Clinicians, physical educators, coaches, and athletes can use this information when determining the best type of pre-performance activity.

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