The acute effect of static stretching between sets on the number of repetitions performance in resistance training

Rest interval between sets in resistance exercises is an important variable that influence on the training volume. The purpose of the current study was to determine the effect of static stretching on the number of repetitions for three consecutive sets upper and lower body exercises. Nine trained men (age: 21,78 2,49 years; height: 171,5 4,62 cm; weight: 73,98 6,62 kg; body fat percentage: 11,1 3,95 %) completed three sets push down and leg extension exercises with 10 repetition maximum, %60 of 1 repetition maximum and %85 of 1 repetition maximum load. Participants took part static stretching and non-stretching conditions that was done on counterbalance. The results of this study demonstrated that the number of repetitions significantly decreased after static stretching for both exercises at all intensities. When compared the two conditions, the number of repetitions after static stretching on set 2 and set 3 was significantly lower than the set 1 for push down exercise at all intensities. However, for leg extension exercise at 10 repetition maximum intensity on set 2 was significantly lower than the set 1 and at %85 of 1 repetition maximum intensity on set 2 and set 3 significantly lower than the set 1. There is no significant difference for leg extension exercise between groups at %60 of 1 repetition maximum intensity. In conclusion, this study indicated that static stretching between consecutive sets has negative effect on the number of repetitions for push down and leg extension exercises. Therefore static stretching should be avoided during the rest period between sets when performing the push down and leg extension exercises