Effects of static and dynamic stretching techniques on muscle function.

[Purpose] To examine the effects of a combination of static stretching (SS) and dynamic stretching (DS) on muscle function. [Participants and Methods] There were 32 healthy male participants. The hamstrings were the target muscles. Flexibility was measured using the straight leg raise test and muscle output was measured using a manual muscle force meter. The two measurements were compared before and after stretching, and between the group that first performed SS and the group that first performed DS. [Results] Flexibility improved significantly after stretching compared to the level before stretching when either SS or DS was performed first. However, there were no significant differences in muscle output or in between-group comparisons for any indicator. [Conclusion] There were no differences between the stretching techniques, suggesting that either combination of stretching may improve flexibility but with little effect on muscle output.