Impact of static stretching on the one-repetition maximum test results in the barbell half squat among amateur bodybuilders

doi: 10.29359/JOHPAH.1.4.04

Grzegorz Wojdała, Monika Papla, Paulina Królikowska, Joanna Starzak, Michał Krzysztofik

Institute of Sport Sciences

The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland

abstract

Background: ‪‪The level of absolute strength is critical to performance in many sports, especially strength sports. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of static stretching before resistance exercise on the level of absolute strength.

Material and methods: The study involved fourteen (14) strength trained men, amateur bodybuilders (age = 21.5 ±0.9 years, body mass = 88.5 ±7.2kg) with a minimum two year of strength training experience. The results of the 1-RM test for barbell half-squat were used. The test consisted of performing a half-squat exercise according to the test protocol with the load increased every set until the maximum load was reached. Starting from a load of approximately 70% of the anticipated 1-RM, the participants executed single repetitions with a 5 min rest interval between successful trial. Each subsequent attempt was increased by 2.5 to 10kg, and the process was repeated until the load of 1RM was reached.

Results: The analysis showed that stretching before training reduced the maximum weight lifted by the study participants on the average by 4.3 ±3kg.

Conclusions: ‪The results indicate a negative effect of static stretching on absolute strength, evaluated by the barbell half squat. The authors suggest that stretching should be avoided before resistance training with maximum loads.

Key words: ‪resistance exercise, strength, flexibility, warm-up, stretch, range of motion.

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