This study analyzed the effect of an acute static stretching bout on the time to exhaustion (Tlim) at power output corresponding to VO2max. Eleven physically active male subjects (age 22.3+/-2.8 years, VO2max 2.7+/-0.5 L.min) completed an incremental cycle ergometer test, 2 muscle strength tests, and 2 maximal tests to exhaustion at power output corresponding to VO2max with and without a previous static stretching bout. The Tlim was not significantly affected by the static stretching (164+/-28 vs. 150+/-26 seconds with and without stretching, respectively, p=0.09), but the time to reach VO2max (118+/-22 vs. 102+/-25 seconds), blood-lactate accumulation immediately after exercise (10.7+/-2.9 vs. 8.0+/-1.7 mmol.L), and oxygen deficit (2.4+/-0.9 vs. 2.1+/-0.7 L) were significantly reduced (p<or=0.02). Thus, an acute static stretching bout did not reduce Tlim at power output corresponding to VO2max possibly by accelerating aerobic metabolism activation at the beginning of exercise. These results suggest that coaches and practitioners involved with aerobic dependent activities may use static stretching as part of their warm-up routines without fear of diminishing high-intensity aerobic exercise performance.