OBJECTIVE:
This study aimed to evaluate the influence of acute muscle stretching on manual function.
METHODS:
The sample consisted of 10 untrained men in a randomized, four test session cross-over experimental design. Each session was composed of only one of two protocols: a) control, or b) single series of passive static stretching; followed by either Minnesota Hand dexterity test or hand grip strength test with eletromyographical recording of reaction time. For data comparison, the Student T-test with significance level of p ≤ 0.05 was used.
RESULTS:
Manual dexterity increased after stretching for both placing and turning tests, with no changes in hand grip strength or reaction time.
CONCLUSION:
The results show that a 30 second static stretch of the hand decreases time to complete the Minnesota Hand Dexterity test without affecting handgrip strength or hand reaction time; thus it improves manual dexterity of young untrained men.
KEYWORDS:
Muscle stretching; motor skills; reaction time
