Question

Describe how the neural circuitry changed after static stretching and how this might reduce vertical jump performance.

Answer 1

Static stretching is stretching beyond limit at a static position and holding it for longer time and is performed without any movement. During stretching, the muscle fiber tend to elongate and leads to stretching of all sarcomeres increasing the tension. It changes the neural circuitry as it changes the neural aspect leading to adaption of the neuromuscular system to adapt to the changing elongation. As the muscle stretches, the change in muscle length increases which is recorded by the neural spindle. This signal is sent to the spine and message is delivered to the brain. Initially the signal is sent to resist the stretch as it activates the stretch reflex but with increase in stretching, the contractions and lengthening the muscle tend to adapt to it through the signal sent through neural system. The golgi tendon helps in the change in the neural circuit because it tends to create a tension within a point of connection between muscle and tendon. This change is recorded by golgi tendon and signal is sent down the spine which helps in lengthening of the muscle and inhibits the contraction. Hence the golgi tendon sends a signal to spinal cord and it prevents the signal sent by muscle spindle aimed at muscle contraction. The static stretching might lead to reducing in performance of vertical jump due to reduce use of the hip flexors which is important for contributing to vertical jump. This is because since the muscles are stretched eccentrically, it might be difficult for the muscle instantly accelerate and shorten into opposite direction and hence it reduces the performance of vertical jump