Research article - (2025)24, 326 - 331
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52082/jssm.2025.326
Effect of 12-Week Dynamic Stretching of Ankle Plantar Flexors on Joint Flexibility and Musculoskeletal Properties in The Contralateral Muscle
Naoki Ikeda1,, Kazuya Hiratsuka2, Tadao Isaka3
1Institute for General Education, Ritsumeikan University, Japan
2Faculty of Health Care, Hachinohe Gakuin University, Japan
3Faculty of Sport and Health Science, Ritsumeikan University, Japan

Naoki Ikeda
✉ Institute for General Education, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-Higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-8577, Japan.
Email: nikeda305@gmail.com
Received: 22-03-2025 -- Accepted: 10-04-2025
Published (online): 01-06-2025

ABSTRACT

Dynamic stretching (DS) is a conditioning technique commonly used in sports. However, its effects on contralateral joint flexibility and elastic properties of the targeted muscle over several weeks remain unclear. Similarly, its impact on muscle functions, such as force or power exertion, is poorly understood. This study aimed to examine the effects of a 12-week DS program targeting the ankle plantar flexors on the joint flexibility, muscle strength, and elastic properties of the plantar flexors in stretched and contralateral legs. Eighteen healthy young adults (12 males and six females, aged 18-24 years) participated in this study. DS was performed on one leg of the ankle plantar flexors for 12 weeks (3 days weekly), while the other leg served as a non-intervention. Dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM), muscle stiffness, and ankle plantar flexion strength (rate of torque development and isokinetic muscle strength) were assessed before and after the intervention. The muscle stiffness was measured using shear wave elastography on the gastrocnemius. DFROM significantly increased in both conditions (p < 0.05), whereas gastrocnemius stiffness significantly decreased only in the DS condition (p < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in the non-intervention condition. The ankle plantar flexion rates of torque development and isokinetic strength did not change in either condition. These findings suggest that 12 weeks of DS can reduce muscle stiffness and improve joint flexibility without affecting muscle strength while enhancing contralateral joint flexibility without altering muscle stiffness or strength.

Key words: Muscle elasticity, stiffness, range of motion, muscle strength, shear wave elastography, training effect

Key Points
  • This study aimed to examine the effects of a 12-week dynamic stretching program targeting the ankle plantar flexors on the joint flexibility, muscle strength, and elastic properties of the plantar flexors in stretched and contralateral legs.
  • This study demonstrated that a 12-week dynamic stretching program for ankle plantar flexors improved dorsiflexion range of motion in intervention and non-intervention legs.
  • The findings of this study suggest that 12 weeks of dynamic stretching can reduce muscle stiffness and improve joint flexibility in the intervention leg without affecting muscle strength and enhance joint flexibility in the non-intervention leg without altering muscle stiffness or strength.








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