Mechanisms underlying range of motion improvements following acute and chronic static stretching: a systematic review, meta‑analysis and multivariate meta‑regression

Key Points

1. Static stretching can reduce overall stiffness following a single session, whereas increased stretch tolerance only occurs following multiple sessions.

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Static stretching (SS) is a commonly used method to increase range of motion, however the physiological mechanisms behind these improvements are not well understood (1). The impact of SS on performance and injury prevention can be contentious. Opinions remain divided over whether SS influences mechanical and structural adaptation of the muscular tendon unit (MTU), or whether increased joint range of motion (ROM) simply reflects an increased tolerance to stretch (2).

Despite a recent surge in the discussion of stretch mediated hypertrophy, the authors chose to remain focused on the physiology behind increased joint ROM. Although the authors sought out to consider fascicle length, the primary aim of this review was to investigate the effects of acute (single session) and chronic (multiple sessions) SS on stiffness and stretch tolerance.

Static stretching is a commonly used method to increase range of motion, however the physiological mechanisms behind these improvements are not well understood.

Clinicians should prescribe regular static stretching interventions in home exercise programs for patients who will benefit from improving ROM, reducing stiffness, and improving stretch tolerance.

METHODS

• The authors performed a systematic review with meta-analysis (SRMA) with a secondary aim of utilizing regression models to define the relationship between improved joint ROM and variables of stiffness, passive resistive torque (PRT), maximal tolerable PRT, and fascicle length.

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