Journal article
Passive Stretching and Explosive Jumps Acutely Reduce Spinal Reflex Excitability and Alter Sit-To-Stand Biomechanics in Active Adults
Journal of musculoskeletal & neuronal interactions, Vol.26(3), pp.392-406
09/2026
PMID: 42675942
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Abstract
Objectives: To investigate the acute effects of passive stretching and explosive effort countermovement jumps on spinal reflex excitability and sit-to-stand electromyography patterns and vertical stiffness, in active adults.
Methods: A randomised within-participant crossover design was utilised, with 10 males and 10 females completing two separate sessions, each involving three sets of 60-seconds passive stretching (PS) and five sets of 20 explosive effort (EE) countermovement jumps (100 total); measures taken pre-intervention, post-PS and post-EE.
Results: Spinal reflex excitability decreased in both post-PS and post-EE conditions (p < 0.001) compared to pre-condition measures, with no sex effect (p = 0.115). A condition × sex interaction revealed lower spinal reflex excitability in females post-EE (p = 0.002) compared to males. Biomechanically, sit-to-stand vertical stiffness increased in both post-PS and post-EE conditions (p < 0.001) compared to pre-condition, and electromyography patterns were influenced by both condition and sex (p ≤ 0.047).
Conclusions: Our findings provide insight into the neurophysiological-biomechanical link warranting further investigation as a potential mechanism contributing to the known sex-based differences in lower limb injury risk, informing our understanding of movement control, rehabilitation, and injury prevention strategies.
Details
- Title
- Passive Stretching and Explosive Jumps Acutely Reduce Spinal Reflex Excitability and Alter Sit-To-Stand Biomechanics in Active Adults
- Creators
- Sophie A McCauley - Charles Sturt UniversityKerry J Mann - Charles Sturt UniversityJack Cannon - Charles Sturt UniversityMichael Chang - Charles Sturt UniversityNnamdi Mgbemena - Charles Sturt UniversityMehdi Rassafiani - Charles Sturt UniversityTimothy D Miller - Charles Sturt University
- Publication Details
- Journal of musculoskeletal & neuronal interactions, Vol.26(3), pp.392-406
- Publisher
- Hylonome Publications
- Identifiers
- 991013398133702368
- Academic Unit
- Human Sciences and Rehabilitation; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article