Acute effects of static stretching on Wingate testing in men

BACKGROUND: Previous research has demonstrated a reduction in peak power via isokinetic dynamometry and power testing. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of static stretching (SS) on the Wingate test (WAnT). METHODS: Thirteen recreationally active males (mean age: 22.5±1.9 years, height: 172.5±8.4 cm, body mass: 83.4±24.6 kg) were tested for peak (PP), average (AP), and minimum (MP) power output using the WAnT. Two WAnT trials were completed by each subject on a Monark 894-E ergometer that was interfaced with a desktop computer. Participants completed a 5-minute warm-up on the cycle ergometer and then performed the pre-WAnT. Upon completion, the stretching protocol four static stretches were performed: one was participant self-administered and the remaining three by the investigator. Each stretch was held for 30 seconds and was repeated 4 times on each leg and repeated after 4 minutes of rest. RESULTS: Significant differences (P<0.05) were found for PP only for the pre- versus post-WAnT (802.6±207.6 vs. 768.8±199.7 W). CONCLUSIONS: Static stretching before performance of the WAnT demonstrated a significant decrease in peak power output. Based upon these results, it appears that SS decreases peak power output when performing an anaerobic capacity test on a cycle ergometer.