# Acute Effects of Static Stretching Duration on a Single-Leg Balance Task

## TL;DR

This study shows that static stretching for two sets increases balance sway, but not for one or four sets.

## Contribution

The study reveals that static stretching duration specifically affects balance sway metrics like COP displacement and velocity.

## Key findings

- Two sets of static stretching increased COP displacement and velocity, but one or four sets did not.
- Maximal dorsiflexion angle and passive torque increased after stretching, but muscle-tendon junction displacement did not.
- No correlation was found between dorsiflexion changes and balance sway changes after two sets of stretching.

## Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of static stretching (SS) duration on balance. Twenty-two participants performed passive dorsiflexion measurements and balance tests before and after SS. Passive dorsiflexion measurements determined the maximal dorsiflexion angle, passive torque, displacement of the muscle–tendon junction, and electromyography amplitude during passive dorsiflexion. In the balance test, the participant stood on a single leg with their eyes open while the postural sway evaluated in the center of pressure (COP), standing duration, and electromyography amplitude were measured. The ankle and metatarsophalangeal joints underwent SS for 30 s × one set, two sets, and four sets. There were significant increases in COP displacement and COP velocity after two sets of SS but not after one and four sets. Standing duration and electromyography during balance tests were not changed after SS. No gender differences were found in changes in balance. Maximal dorsiflexion angle and passive torque were increased after SS, but the displacement of the muscle–tendon junction and electromyography during passive dorsiflexion were not changed. There was no significant correlation between changes in maximal dorsiflexion angle or passive torque and changes in COP variables after two sets of SS. These results therefore revealed that SS duration affects COP displacement and COP velocity.