Ann Rehabil Med.  2020 Apr;44(2):125-130. 10.5535/arm.2020.44.2.125.

Comparison of Two Static Stretching Techniques for the Triceps Surae in Healthy Individuals: Wall and Inclined Board Stretchings

• Kim TH
• Lim OK
• Park KD
• Lee JK

• KMID: 2501056
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5535/arm.2020.44.2.125

Abstract

Objective
To compare the effectiveness of static stretching techniques for correcting the tightness of the triceps surae.
Methods
In this observational, cross-sectional study, participants (30 healthy volunteers) completed 10 repetitions of each stretching exercise, holding each stretch for 10 seconds, with a 1-minute rest period between repetitionsand a 1-hour rest period between the two stretching techniques, namely, wall and inclined board stretchings. The length of the triceps surae and range of ankle dorsiflexion were measured on lateral view radiographs. The muscle activity during the stretch was measured using quantified surface electromyography of the lateral gastrocnemius. The subjective stretching sensation was evaluated using the visual analog scale.
Results
Both stretching techniques showed statistical differences in all the parameters. Stretching on an inclined board yielded a greater increase in the triceps surae length than did wall stretching (mean difference, 0.72; p=0.02). The range of ankle dorsiflexion was higher with inclined board stretching than with wall stretching (mean difference, 2.57; p=0.03). The mean muscle activity was significantly lower withinclined board stretching than with wall stretching (mean difference, 53.72; p<0.01). The visual analog scale score was higher with inclined board stretching than with wall stretching (mean difference, 2.07; p<0.01).
Conclusion
In this study, inclined board stretching was more effective than wall stretching for correcting tightness of the triceps surae. Therefore, inclined board stretching should be encouraged for the triceps surae.

Keyword

Achilles tendon; Inclined board; Triceps surae; Wall stretch

Figure

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  Fig. 1. Flow of participants through the study. EMG, electromyography.

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  Fig. 2. Wall stretching.

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  Fig. 3. Inclined board stretching. (A, B) The participant was to lean forward with their hands on the wall and then to bend their elbows until they felt a stretch in the triceps surae bilaterally.

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  Fig. 4. Lateral view radiographs. (A) The length of the triceps surae was measured as the distance between the approximate insertion point of the tendon (circle) and the origin point of the gastrocnemius muscle (star). (B) The angle of ankle dorsiflexion was measured as the angle formed between the shaft of the fibula and the 5th metatarsal on lateral view radiographs.

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