COMPARISON OF VISCOELASTIC STRESS RELAXATION RESPONSE BETWEEN FLEXIBLE AND INFLEXIBLE INDIVIDUALS

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the relaxation reaction after viscoelastic stress induced by passive static stretching during 30s between subjects with different flexibility performance. Eighteen male physical education students were randomly assigned to two groups according to flexibility level of knee extension. During the test the individuals should achieve 90% of maximal ROM and maintain the position for 30s while the stress relaxation was measured as relative decrease of torque. The results of this study show significant differences of range of motion (ROM) between the two groups, but no significant difference in stress relaxation. It can be concluded that viscoelastic stress relaxation is similar between subjects with significantly different flexibility performance after 30s passive static stretching.