Stretching practices of International Powerlifting Federation unequipped powerlifters

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Title

Journal of strength and conditioning research

PubMed ID

32947567

Publisher

National Strength and Conditioning Association

School

School of Medical and Health Sciences

RAS ID

54063

Comments

Spence, A. J., Helms, E. R., & McGuigan, M. R. (2020). Stretching Practices of International Powerlifting Federation Unequipped Powerlifters. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 36(12), 3456-3461. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003800

Abstract

Stretching practices in powerlifters. The purpose of this study was to provide insight into the stretching practices of competitive powerlifters. Powerlifters (n = 319) from 51 countries completed a self-reported online survey on stretching practices. Subjects had (mean ± SD, median, and interquartile range) 7.7 ± 6.1, 6, and 6 years of general resisting training, 4.4 ± 4.5, 3, and 3 years of strength specific training, and been competing in powerlifting for 3.0 ± 3.7, 2, and 2 years with the average Wilks score being 366.4 ± 52.2, 365, and 60. Analysis by sex and competitive standard was conducted. More than 50% (52.4%) of subjects (n = 167) reported stretching; of those, 84.4% performed static stretches, and 90.4% performed dynamic stretches. Stretching was performed before resistance training by 77.8%, after resistance training by 43.7%, and 53.9% stretched independent of resistance training. Powerlifters who performed static stretches before training did an average of 6.72 ± 10.31, 5, and 8 repetitions per stretch and held those stretches for an average of 30.8 ± 31.4, 20, and 15 seconds; 90.1% also performed dynamic stretches. Powerlifters who performed static stretches after or independent of training did an average of 4.1 ± 4.2, 2, and 9 repetitions per stretch and held those stretches for an average of 42.9 ± 30.8, 30, and 33 seconds. The majority of powerlifters (66.9%) programmed stretching themselves, whereas only 10.2% had stretching programmed by their coach. These data will inform athletes and coaches about the prevalence and characteristics of current stretching practices in powerlifters.

DOI

10.1519/JSC.0000000000003800

Access Rights

subscription content

Link to Full Text

Share

 
COinS