Original paper
EFFECTS OF CYCLIC STATIC STRETCH ON FATIGUE RECOVERY OF TRICEPS SURAE IN FEMALE BASKETBALL PLAYERS

Static stretch is a safe and feasible method which usually is used before exercise to avoid muscle

injury and to improve muscle performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of cyclic static

stretch (CSS) on fatigue recovery of triceps surae (TS) in female basketball players.Nine athlete volunteers between

20 and 30 years participated in this study containing two sessions. After warm-up a pressure cuff was fastened

above the knee joint and its pressure was increased to 140 mmHg. The subjects were asked to perform one

maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) followed by a fatigue test including maximum isometric fatiguing contraction

of TS. These steps were similar in both sessions. Then, a two-minute rest was included in the first session while

4 static stretches were performed to TS in the second session. After interventions, one MVC was done and the

pressure cuff was released. During these steps, peak torque (PT) and electromyography (EMG) were recorded.

The amount of lower leg pain was determined by the visual analogue scale (VAS). The value of PT increased

significantly after CSS but its increase was not significant after rest. It seems that the effects of rest and CSS on

the EMG parameters, PT and pain are similar.