The Effects of Inter-set Stretching on Muscle Performance

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating how passive static stretching performed between sets affects muscle performance in healthy men experienced in resistance training. The study focuses on the bench press exercise and compares stretching the muscles that work during the exercise (agonist muscles) versus the muscles that oppose the movement (antagonist muscles) and a control session with no stretching. The goal is to better understand how inter-set stretching influences muscle strength, power, velocity, and volume. Participants will complete three randomized sessions: one with static stretching of the agonist muscles between sets, one with static stretching of the antagonist muscles between sets, and one control session without any stretching. Each session involves performing five sets of bench press at 70% of the participant's one-repetition maximum (1-RM), which is measured before starting the study. The stretching protocol consists of passive static stretching applied between the sets during the exercise. During the study, participants' muscular performance will be measured from enrollment until two weeks after treatment. Researchers will assess total exercise volume as the primary outcome and also evaluate strength, power, velocity, and volume during the sessions. Participants must attend all sessions to remain in the study, and their progress and safety will be monitored throughout.

The Effects of Inter-set Stretching on Muscle Performance