What happens to tissues during a static stretching technique?

Static stretching involves holding a muscle or muscle group in a position of elongation for a period of time, typically 15 to 60 seconds. During this process, the tissues being stretched—such as muscles, tendons, and fascia—experience lengthening. This lengthening occurs due to a series of physiological responses within the muscle fibers and connective tissues.

When a muscle is held in a stretched position, the muscle fibers are subjected to a steady, consistent force that causes them to elongate. This effect not only improves flexibility by increasing the range of motion at a joint but also helps promote relaxation within the muscle. Over time, regular static stretching can contribute to increased muscle elasticity and overall improved functional performance.

Other options do not accurately represent the physiological response during static stretching: tissues remaining static does not reflect the active process of elongation; contraction occurs during muscle shortening, which is not the goal of static stretching; and tensing up is contrary to the relaxation effect that static stretching typically aims to achieve.