RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: We investigated the viscoelastic stress relaxation response before and after a 10-week hamstrings static stretch program. METHODS: The maximal range of motion (ROMmax ) and maximal torque (Torquemax ) were assessed before and after a 10-week stretching program. Six 30-s static stretches at a predetermined torque were performed, and the relative change in stress relaxation was examined. RESULTS: ROMmax and Torquemax increased by 53% and 82%, respectively (P < 0.001). The relative stress relaxation (RSR) decreased significantly for repetition 1 when comparing the pretest (25%) and posttest (21%) values (P = 0.003). A significant decrease was also observed for repetitions 2 and 3 (P < 0.014), with no significant difference in repetitions 4-6 (P > 0.056). CONCLUSIONS: Individuals who participated in a 10-week hamstrings passive-static stretch program had a reduced RSR response. A higher stretch intensity or longer duration may be necessary to achieve RSRs similar to those reported before the stretch program.