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Warneke K, Lohmann LH, Behm DG, Wirth K, Keiner M, Schiemann S, Wilke J. Effects of Chronic Static Stretching on Maximal Strength and Muscle Hypertrophy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with Meta-Regression. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2024; 10:45. [PMID: 38637473 PMCID: PMC11026323 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-024-00706-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increases in maximal strength and muscle volume represent central aims of training interventions. Recent research suggested that the chronic application of stretch may be effective in inducing hypertrophy. The present systematic review therefore aimed to syntheisize the evidence on changes of strength and muscle volume following chronic static stretching. METHODS Three data bases were sceened to conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis. Studies using randomized, controlled trials with longitudinal (≥ 2 weeks) design, investigating strength and muscle volume following static stretching in humans, were included. Study quality was rated by two examiners using the PEDro scale. RESULTS A total of 42 studies with 1318 cumulative participants were identified. Meta-analyses using robust variance estimation showed small stretch-mediated maximal strength increases (d = 0.30 p < 0.001) with stretching duration and intervention time as significant moderators. Including all studies, stretching induced small magnitude, but significant hypertrophy effects (d = 0.20). Longer stretching durations and intervention periods as well as higher training frequencies revealed small (d = 0.26-0.28), but significant effects (p < 0.001-0.005), while lower dosage did not reach the level of significance (p = 0.13-0.39). CONCLUSIONS While of minor effectiveness, chronic static stretching represents a possible alternative to resistance training when aiming to improve strength and increase muscle size. As a dose-response relationship may exist, higher stretch durations and frequencies as well as long program durations should be further elaborated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Warneke
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Department of Movement Sciences, University of Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Austria
| | - Lars Hubertus Lohmann
- Department of Human Motion Science and Exercise Physiology, Friedrich Schiller University, 07743, Jena, Germany.
| | - David G Behm
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Newfoundland and Labrador, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada
| | - Klaus Wirth
- University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
| | - Michael Keiner
- Department of Sport Science, German University of Health & Sport, Ismaning, Germany
| | - Stephan Schiemann
- Institute of Exercise, Sport and Health, Leuphana University, Lüneburg, Germany
| | - Jan Wilke
- Department of Movement Sciences, University of Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Austria
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Takeuchi K, Nakamura M, Fukaya T, Konrad A, Mizuno T. Acute and Long-Term Effects of Static Stretching on Muscle-Tendon Unit Stiffness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Sports Sci Med 2023; 22:465-475. [PMID: 37711702 PMCID: PMC10499138 DOI: 10.52082/jssm.2023.465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Static stretching can increase the range of motion of a joint. Muscle-tendon unit stiffness (MTS) is potentially one of the main factors that influences the change in the range of motion after static stretching. However, to date, the effects of acute and long-term static stretching on MTS are not well understood. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of acute and long-term static stretching training on MTS, in young healthy participants. PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO published before January 6, 2023, were searched and finally, 17 papers were included in the meta-analysis. Main meta-analysis was performed with a random-effect model and subgroup analyses, which included comparisons of sex (male vs. mixed sex and female) and muscle (hamstrings vs. plantar flexors) were also performed. Furthermore, a meta-regression was conducted to examine the effect of total stretching duration on MTS. For acute static stretching, the result of the meta-analysis showed a moderate decrease in MTS (effect size = -0.772, Z = -2.374, 95% confidence interval = -1.409 - -0.325, p = 0.018, I2 = 79.098). For long-term static stretching, there is no significant change in MTS (effect size = -0.608, Z = -1.761, 95% CI = -1.284 - 0.069, p = 0.078, I2 = 83.061). Subgroup analyses revealed no significant differences between sex (long-term, p = 0.209) or muscle (acute, p =0.295; long-term, p = 0.427). Moreover, there was a significant relationship between total stretching duration and MTS in acute static stretching (p = 0.011, R2 = 0.28), but not in long-term stretching (p = 0.085, R2 < 0.01). Whilst MTS decreased after acute static stretching, only a tendency of a decrease was seen after long-term stretching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Takeuchi
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe International University, Kobe-shi, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Nakamura
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Nishi Kyushu University, Kanzaki-cho, Saga, Japan
| | - Taizan Fukaya
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Social Work Studies, Josai International University, Togane-shi, Chiba, Japan
| | - Andreas Konrad
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, Graz University, Graz, Austria
| | - Takamasa Mizuno
- Research Center of Health, Physical Fitness and Sports, Nagoya University, Nagoya-shi, Aichi, Japan
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3
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Bryant J, Cooper DJ, Peters DM, Cook MD. The Effects of Static Stretching Intensity on Range of Motion and Strength: A Systematic Review. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2023; 8:jfmk8020037. [PMID: 37092369 PMCID: PMC10123604 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk8020037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to systematically review the evidence on the outcomes of using different intensities of static stretching on range of motion (ROM) and strength. PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane controlled trials databases were searched between October 2021 and February 2022 for studies that examined the effects of different static stretching intensities on range of motion and strength. Out of 6285 identified records, 18 studies were included in the review. Sixteen studies examined outcomes on ROM and four on strength (two studies included outcomes on both ROM and strength). All studies demonstrated that static stretching increased ROM; however, eight studies demonstrated that higher static stretching intensities led to larger increases in ROM. Two of the four studies demonstrated that strength decreased more following higher intensity stretching versus lower intensity stretching. It appears that higher intensity static stretching above the point of discomfort and pain may lead to greater increases in ROM, but further research is needed to confirm this. It is unclear if high-intensity static stretching leads to a larger acute decrease in strength than lower intensity static stretching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Bryant
- School of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, Worcester WR2 6AJ, UK
| | - Darren J Cooper
- School of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, Worcester WR2 6AJ, UK
| | - Derek M Peters
- School of Allied Health and Community, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, Worcester WR2 6AJ, UK
| | - Matthew David Cook
- School of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, Worcester WR2 6AJ, UK
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Takeuchi K, Sato S, Kiyono R, Yahata K, Murakami Y, Sanuki F, Yoshida R, Nakamura M. High-Intensity Static Stretching in Quadriceps Is Affected More by Its Intensity Than Its Duration. Front Physiol 2021; 12:709655. [PMID: 34290625 PMCID: PMC8287525 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.709655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A previous study reported that 3-min of high-intensity static stretching at an intensity of 120% of range of motion (ROM) did not change the muscle stiffness of the rectus femoris, because of the overly high stress of the stretching. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of high-intensity static stretching of a shorter duration or lower intensity on the flexibility of the rectus femoris than that of the previous study. Two experiments were conducted (Experiment 1 and 2). In Experiment 1, eleven healthy men underwent static stretching at the intensity of 120% of ROM for two different durations (1 and 3 min). In Experiment 2, fifteen healthy men underwent 3-min of static stretching at the intensity of 110% of ROM. The shear elastic modulus of the quadriceps were measured. In Experiment 1, ROM increased in both interventions (p < 0.01), but the shear elastic modulus of the rectus femoris was not changed. In Experiment 2, ROM significantly increased (p < 0.01), and the shear elastic modulus of the rectus femoris significantly decreased (p < 0.05). It was suggested that the stretching intensity (110%) is more important than stretching duration to decrease the muscle stiffness of the rectus femoris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Takeuchi
- Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Shigeru Sato
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Kiyono
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kaoru Yahata
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yuta Murakami
- Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Futaba Sanuki
- Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Riku Yoshida
- Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Nakamura
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan.,Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
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Nakamura M, Yahata K, Sato S, Kiyono R, Yoshida R, Fukaya T, Nunes JP, Konrad A. Training and Detraining Effects Following a Static Stretching Program on Medial Gastrocnemius Passive Properties. Front Physiol 2021; 12:656579. [PMID: 33868026 PMCID: PMC8049289 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.656579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A stretching intervention program is performed to maintain and improve range of motion (ROM) in sports and rehabilitation settings. However, there is no consensus on the effects of stretching programs on muscle stiffness, likely due to short stretching durations used in each session. Therefore, a longer stretching exercise session may be required to decrease muscle stiffness in the long-term. Moreover, until now, the retention effect (detraining) of such an intervention program is not clear yet. The purpose of this study was to investigate the training (5-week) and detraining effects (5-week) of a high-volume stretching intervention on ankle dorsiflexion ROM (DF ROM) and medial gastrocnemius muscle stiffness. Fifteen males participated in this study and the plantarflexors of the dominant limb were evaluated. Static stretching intervention was performed using a stretching board for 1,800 s at 2 days per week for 5 weeks. DF ROM was assessed, and muscle stiffness was calculated from passive torque and muscle elongation during passive dorsiflexion test. The results showed significant changes in DF ROM and muscle stiffness after the stretching intervention program, but the values returned to baseline after the detraining period. Our results indicate that high-volume stretching intervention (3,600 s per week) may be beneficial for DF ROM and muscle stiffness, but the training effects are dismissed after a detraining period with the same duration of the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Nakamura
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan.,Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kaoru Yahata
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Shigeru Sato
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Kiyono
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Riku Yoshida
- Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Taizan Fukaya
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan.,Department of Rehabilitation, Kyoto Kujo Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - João Pedro Nunes
- Metabolism, Nutrition and Exercise Laboratory, Physical Education and Sport Center, Londrina State University, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Andreas Konrad
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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Takeuchi K, Nakamura M. The optimal duration of high-intensity static stretching in hamstrings. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240181. [PMID: 33007014 PMCID: PMC7531788 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare the duration of high-intensity static stretching on flexibility and strength in the hamstrings. Methods Fourteen healthy males (20.8 ± 0.6 years, 170.7 ± 6.5 cm, 66.4 ± 9.9 kg) underwent high-intensity static stretching for three different durations (10, 15, and 20 seconds). The intensity of static stretching was set at the maximum point of discomfort. To examine the change in flexibility and strength, range of motion, peak passive torque, relative passive torque, muscle-tendon unit stiffness, peak torque of isokinetic knee flexion, and knee angle at peak torque of isokinetic knee flexion were measured. To evaluate a time course of pain, a numerical rating scale was described. Results Range of motion (P < 0.01), peak passive torque (P < 0.01), and knee angle at peak torque were increased at all interventions. Relative passive torque (P < 0.01) and muscle-tendon unit stiffness (P < 0.01) were decreased at all interventions. Peak torque decreased after 10 seconds of stretching (P < 0.05). Numerical rating scale during stretching was 8–9 levels in all interventions, the pain disappeared immediately after the post-measurements (median = 0). Conclusion The results suggested that muscle-tendon unit stiffness decreased regardless of duration of high-intensity static stretching. However, peak torque of isokinetic knee flexion decreased after 10 seconds of high-intensity static stretching, though it was no change after for more than 15 seconds of stretching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Takeuchi
- Department of Physical Therapy, Kobe International University, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Masatoshi Nakamura
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
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