Effects of Self Myofascial Release and Static Stretching on Anaerobic Power Output

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of static stretching (SS) and myofascial release (MFR) on anaerobic power. Cycling (30-sec Wingate) tests assessed power output in 9 male and 14 female study participants. Peak power output (PPO) and percent power drop (PPD) were examined among study participants to determine the differences between interventions. In female study participants, PPO was significantly reduced following SS, compared to control. PPD was significantly decreased with SS and MFR treatments compared to the control trial. In male study participants, PPO significantly increased following SS, in comparison to control. PPD significantly increased in MFR compared to the control trial. The effects of MFR on anaerobic power output remain inconclusive. Due to limited research, the possible mechanisms can only be speculated, including the alteration of the length-tension relationship from massage causing decreased muscle strength along with differences in muscle mass of the lower extremities between genders.; ;