Acute effects of cyclic versus static stretching on shoulder flexibility, strength, and spike speed in volleyball players

Turk J Phys Med Rehabil. 2017 May 11;63(2):124-132. doi: 10.5606/tftrd.2017.198. eCollection 2017 Jun.

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to examine the acute effects of cyclic stretching versus static stretching on the shoulder flexibility, rotator cuff muscle strength, spike speed, and spike hit rate on target in adolescent volleyball players.

Materials and methods: A total of 36 female volleyball players aged between 13 and 15 years were included in this study. Volleyball players were randomly divided into three groups: cyclic stretching group, static stretching group, and control group. Shoulder flexibility, rotator cuff muscle strength, spike speed, and spike hit rate on target were measured before and after the intervention.

Results: Shoulder flexibility increased in cyclic stretching and static stretching groups after the intervention. Internal rotation strength increased in cyclic stretching group after the stretching intervention, compared to the control group. A significant reduction was observed in the scapular plane abduction strength in static stretching group after the intervention.

Conclusion: Our study results suggest that cyclic stretching may be beneficial, as it increases both the shoulder flexibility and strength of young female volleyball players. In terms of volleyball performance, it can not be declared both cyclic stretching and static stretching have any effect.

Keywords: Adolescent; hand dynamometer; shoulder flexibility.