The Claim

The addition of long-duration static stretching to habitual resistance training is associated with increased maximal isometric strength in the plantar flexor muscles of competitive bodybuilders, yielding approximately 11.4% greater strength gains over a 12-week period, suggesting that prolonged stretching may complement traditional resistance training by enhancing force production in highly trained lower limb musculature.

Source: The effect of a combined long‐duration static stretching and resistance training regimen on a competitive bodybuilder: A case study

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
30score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Correlation
1 study reviewed
In plain English

Adding long static stretches to your regular weightlifting routine might help competitive bodybuilders build stronger calf muscles. Over three months, this extra stretching could boost their leg strength by about 11%, making it a useful addition to their normal workout plan.

See the scientific wording

The addition of long-duration static stretching to habitual resistance training is associated with increased maximal isometric strength in the plantar flexor muscles of competitive bodybuilders, with strength gains averaging approximately 11.4% over a 12-week period. This indicates that prolonged stretching may complement traditional resistance training by facilitating greater force production capabilities in highly trained lower limb musculature.

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: The effect of a combined long‐duration static stretching and resistance training regimen on a competitive bodybuilder: A case study

    Adding long stretching sessions to regular weightlifting helped one competitive bodybuilder increase their lower leg strength by 11.4% over three months. This shows that stretching can work well alongside traditional training to boost muscle power.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

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