Does Stretching Result in Power Loss?

Breaking Beta | The Science of Climbing

In this episode, Kris and Paul discuss a hotly-debated topic - not just in the climbing world but the greater athletic community:

Acute Effects of Static Stretching on Muscle Strength and Power: An Attempt to Clarify Previous Caveats

authored by Helmi Chaabene, David Behm, Yassine Negra, and Urs Granacher; published in Frontiers in Physiology in 2019.

They’ll attempt to determine whether or not stretching in your warmup is what’s costing you that last bit of power you need to send the proj, or if it’s exactly what you need in order to execute that heel-hook-next-to-your-ear crux move without pulling a hammy. Tune in to find out what data on the topic is legit, and what might be a bit of a...well, you know.

*Additional studies/resources mentioned in this episode:

Factors Affecting Force Loss with Prolonged Stretching authored by David Behm and Duane C. Button; published in the Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology, 2001.

Stretching the Way We Think About Athletes, TEDx Talk by Dr. David Behm

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Breaking Beta is brought to you by Power Company Climbing and Crux Conditioning, and is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective. Find full episode transcripts, citations, and more at our website.

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