The Acute Effects of Static and Dynamic Stretching on Running Economy and some of Metabolic Factors of Submaximal Activity in Active Women

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of static and dynamic stretch exercise on running economy and some of metabolic parameters of submaximal activity \ in active women. 16 active women from physical education college (Mean±SD: age: 23.87±1.62 yr; weight: 57.20±7.84 kg, height: 163.46±6.23 cm, body fat: %23.96±2.70 and Vo2max: 42.15±3.41 ml.kg-1.min-1) participated in this study voluntary. After measurement of Vo2max and LT, the subjects performed two protocols of stretching (static and dynamic) and one protocol without stretching before submaximal activity (treadmill running at 70% Vo2max) in three separate sessions. Respiratory gas exchange was measured by gas analyzer and time constants (τ1, τ2, τ3) were calculated from O2 kinetics graph. Results of Repeated measure ANOVA and LSD tests showed that, steady state oxygen uptake (ml/kg/min) increased significantly after static stretching in comparison with no stretching (P=0.037), but there were no significant difference between dynamic stretching and control (P=0.096) and between dynamic and static stretching (P=0.333). Also, Ventilation increased significantly (P<0.05) after both static and dynamic Stretching. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in other variables (CO2, RER, τ1, τ2, τ3) (P>0.05). therefore, The result show that static stretching decreases running economy, so it is suggested that, static stretching not to be performed before submaximal running.