The acute effects of different stretching durations on vertical jump performance in trained male athletes

The purpose of this study was to compare the acute effects of static stretching on vertical jump in trained male athletes. 25 healthy male athletes (age: 20.8 ± 2.3 years) who were National league 1 and 2, basketball, volleyball and handball players participated in the study. Subjects performed a 5 minute warm up followed by each of the following three stretching conditions on separate days with order counterbalanced; 15 second, 30 second, and 45 second duration. The static stretching protocol consisted of 5 stretches targeting muscles used during vertical jump. Before and after each stretching protocol, participants performed 3 trials of vertical jump test. Statistical analyses indicated that the 30 second and 45 second stretching produced a significant decrease in the vertical jump height (p< 0.05), with no significant effects with the 15 second stretching (p>0.05). In conclusion, short-lasting stretching can be done before exercises that require explosive strength. However, since 30 second or 45 second stretching protocols would decrease the jump height, they are not recommended in sports branches where millimetric differences have an effect on results