Influence of stretch speed and arousal state on passive ankle joint mechanics
Author Identifier
Camila de Paula de Lima: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2996-5944
Cassio Victora Ruas: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6876-7190
Anthony John Blazevich: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1664-1614
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Title
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports
Volume
34
Issue
12
PubMed ID
39639795
Publisher
Wiley
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
RAS ID
77388
Abstract
Studies investigating the mechanisms influencing maximum passive joint range of motion (ROMmax) and stiffness have not objectively assessed the possible influence of stretch speed and/or arousal state. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of arousal state and stretch speed on healthy individuals ROMmax, stiffness, gastrocnemius medialis, and soleus electromyographic activity (EMG). Fourteen participants performed one familiarization and then one testing session on separate days in the laboratory. In the familiarization (Session 1), participants practiced fast (30°/s ankle dorsiflexion) and slow (5°/s) plantar flexor stretches on an isokinetic dynamometer with the knee extended. In the experimental session (Session 2), they performed two slow, then two fast, stretches under three randomized arousal conditions: control (no music), arousing, and relaxing music. Dorsiflexion ROMmax, ankle joint stiffness, muscle activity during stretch, mean heart rate, and perception of arousal were measured. Perception of arousal was greater in the arousing than relaxing condition (p = 0.001). ROMmax was greater during fast (69.1° ± 7.8°) than slow stretches (64.9° ± 10.8°; p = 0.002) with no effect of arousal. Stiffness and EMG were higher at faster speeds, with a significantly greater percentage of stiffness observed in the arousing than the other conditions during faster stretches (p = 0.04). ROMmax was greater at the faster stretch speed despite greater stiffness and muscle activities being produced during the stretch. Thus, despite reflexive muscle activity and viscosity being higher during faster stretches, a greater, not lesser, ROMmax was observed. Arousal state, at least when altered by music, did not seem to affect ROMmax but somewhat influenced stiffness in the faster stretches.
DOI
10.1111/sms.14774
Access Rights
subscription content
Comments
Lima, C. D. P. D., Ruas, C. V., & Blazevich, A. J. (2024). Influence of stretch speed and arousal state on passive ankle joint mechanics. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 34(12). https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.14774