Effect of Stretching during the Inter-Set Rest Periods on the Kinematics and Kinetics of High and Low Velocity Resistance Loading Schemes: Implications for Hypertrophy

Abstract

Journal of Sports Science and Physical Education 2(1): 45–57, 2014 - The time that muscle is under tension (TUT) during a session is thought an important strength and hypertrophic stimulus. Session TUT can be increased if stretching is undertaken during the inter-set rest periods. However, the stretching may interfere with the ensuing set and session kinematics and kinetics. Consequently the purpose of this study was to determine if the session kinematics and kinetics of 35% 1RM and 70% 1RM loading schemes equated by volume differed significantly when stretching was undertaken during the inter-set rest periods. Twelve male student-athletes were recruited for this study. Squat average force (AF), peak force (PF), average power (AP), peak power (PP), work (TW) and total impulse (TI) were quantified during the eccentric and concentric phases of two interventions, one involving stretch during the interset rest period and the other a non-stretch intervention. Total session kinematics and kinetics differed by ~0-7% between interventions; however, none of these differences were found to be significant (P < 0.05). It was concluded that lower limb active interset stretching of 12-15 s duration during a ~90 s rest period did not adversely affect squat kinematics and kinetics.

Key words: active stretch, load, volume, force, power, time under tension, work