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Abstract

International Journal of Exercise Science 7(4) : 271-277, 2014. Stretching before performing anaerobic activity has been a highly debated subject, with studies finding differing results depending on the type (static, dynamic, etc.) and duration of the stretch. Furthermore, the effects of dynamic stretching (DS) on anaerobic performance have been minimally researched. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects a DS protocol had on power performance using a Wingate test (WAnT). College-aged male subjects were recruited for this study. Prior to experimental trials, subjects performed a familiarity WAnT trial. Subjects then performed the WAnT two more times, once with DS and once without stretching (NS), in a balanced cross-over design. Relative peak power (RPP), relative mean power (RMP), fatigue index (FI), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) means were compared across DS and NS trials using one-way repeated measure ANOVA’s, α = 0.05. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found across DS and NS protocols among RPP, FI, and RPE. However, there was a significant difference (p = .043) in mean RMP between the DS protocol and NS treatment. These findings suggest that some forms of dynamic stretching may significantly decrease mean power during anaerobic performance. More research is needed to explore the different combinations and duration of dynamic stretching needed to illicit a positive response.

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