Stretching is a usual practice in flexibility training; however, specific information on load is still scarce, mainly about what concerns the stretching intensity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the acute effect of two stretching intensities in the range of motion (ROM) of knee extension, after a single training session. Fourteen males participated in this study. Both lower limbs of each volunteer were assessed, being one leg submitted to a submaximal stretching program (SSP) and the other to a maximal stretching program (MSP). The training session consisted of four static-passive hamstring stretching repetition of fifteen seconds each. MSP exhibited a significant difference between pre-test (68.0 ± 10.5) and post-test (74.0 ± 10.0) to the ROM figures. However, significant difference was not found for the pre-test (68.8 ± 14.0) and post-test (70.9 ± 14.4) for the SSP. The results analyzed through two-way ANOVA method showed significant interaction between the group and the test (F= 1.26; df= 8.62; p= 0.007). These findings demonstrated that the maximal stretching program causes an acute increase at ROM. Thus, the studies to assess the ideal training load components in order to improve flexibility should not take the stimulus intensity control for granted.
flexibility; training; biomechanics
