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Abstract

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 5: Issue 1, Article 8, 2024. Static stretching of hip adductor muscles is often included in traditional warm-up, though little research has been conducted to determine effective strategies for improving their flexibility. Combining whole body vibration (WBV) with static stretching has been proposed by some to be an effective method to improve flexibility without reducing force output. The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the acute effects of static stretching, with and without WBV, on adductor muscle extensibility and strength. A randomized crossover design using a repeated measures ANOVA 2 X 2 (Condition X Time) was implemented on 40 participants (n = 20 males and n = 20 females) with limited adductor muscle flexibility. Following a stationary cycle warm-up, maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and hip adduction range of motion (ROM) were measured pre- and postintervention, with ROM used as a surrogate measure of adductor muscle extensibility. Interventions included 60 seconds of static stretching of the adductor muscles with vibration (SSV) or without vibration (SS). Adductor muscle extensibility was increased (p < 0.05) from pre- to postintervention in both SSV (1.5°) and SS (1.2°) with no differences between interventions. These increases exceeded minimal detectable change at the 95% confidence level (0.6°) by two-fold. No differences were observed in MVC within or between conditions. Static stretching with or without vibration has a modest effect on acute improvement in hip adductor muscle extensibility without inducing an ergolytic strength decrement. Therefore, WBV as an adjunct to conventional stretching is unjustified.

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