Effects of Static Stretching of Antagonist Muscles on Lower Extremity Power Output in Elite Female Volleyball Players

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effect of antagonist static stretching on lower-body peak power output in elite volleyball players. Methods: Twenty-one elite female volleyball players (age: 23.955.04 years, height: 181.907.54 cm, mass: 70.968.38 kg) were randomly divided into two groups: 1) antagonist static stretching group and 2) dynamic stretching group. After implementing the stretching protocols, peak power output was assessed by performing loaded squat jumps using three different loads: 20%, 40%, and 60% of one-repetition maximum. Forty-eight hours later, on the second testing day, participants in the dynamic stretching group and antagonist static stretching group switched groups and underwent the same procedure. Results: Peak power output obtained at 20% of one repetition maximum in dynamic stretching group was significantly greater than the peak power output at the same load in the antagonist static stretching group (p0,05). Peak power output values at three different exercise loads within each group were analyzed: in dynamic stretching group, peak power output was significantly greater at 20% compared to 60% of one repetition maximum (p