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History of stretching
Published in David G. Behm, The Science and Physiology of Flexibility and Stretching, 2018
First of all, how do we define static and dynamic stretching? Static stretching involves lengthening a muscle until either a stretch sensation or the point of discomfort is reached and then holding the muscle in a lengthened position for a prescribed period of time (5–7). Dynamic stretching involves the performance of a controlled movement through the ROM of the active joint(s) (6,7). Both types of stretching have gone through periods of popularity and disfavour. For example, Hua Tuo’s stretching the neck like a bird exercise would likely have involved a slow dynamic component to reach the end of the ROM and then a static component to hold that position. Dynamic stretching was popular in Persia where warriors and wrestlers, starting around the first century ad, used implements shaped like bowling pins called meels (Figure 2.3). Although the heavy meels weighed approximately 50 lb and would have been used for strength and power enhancement, the 2-lb meels were swung in patterns around the shoulder and would have been excellent for a dynamic warm-up of the muscles and increasing the ROM. The Persians introduced this form of exercise to the Indian subcontinent in the thirteenth century. The people of the India subcontinent called this activity Persian yoga (4). It is quite likely that similar movement variations with a variety of weapons (i.e. short and long swords) would have been practiced by medieval knights in preparation for combat and competitions.
General concepts for applied exercise physiology
Published in Nick Draper, Helen Marshall, Exercise Physiology, 2014
Figure 8.18 shows a contract–relax–contract PNF stretch for the hamstrings. This involves the partner kneeling next to the athlete and moving their leg (hamstring) muscle to its lengthened position. The performer then isometrically contracts the hamstrings against the resistance of the partner. The contraction is held by the performer for 5–6 seconds and then relaxed. During the post-contraction relaxation the partner moves the limb further into the stretch, lengthening the muscle further. This process is repeated three to four times for each stretch. This form of stretching has been shown to result in greater improvements in flexibility than for either ballistic or static stretching. It is very important, however, that the partner and the performer are trained in using this form of stretching, as due to the additional stretch applied there is an increased injury potential. The exercises on the website provide examples of a range of general flexibility exercises for adventure sports performers.
Effects of the home-based exercise program with an augmented reality system on balance in patients with stroke: a randomized controlled trial
Published in Disability and Rehabilitation, 2023
Jong In Lee, Jihye Park, Jaseong Koo, Minam Son, Ji Hye Hwang, Ji Youl Lee, Won Hyuk Chang
In the control group, a licensed physical therapist or occupational therapist explained a conventional exercise program including stretching, aerobic, and strengthening exercises with a written and pictorial HEP for 10 min at T0. In the conventional exercise program, stretching exercises consisted of static stretching of lower extremity muscles for five minutes before aerobic exercise. Participants performed aerobic exercise such as walking or using a stationary bicycle at moderate intensity for 10 min. After aerobic exercise, standing posture balance exercise or lower extremity strength exercises in the supine position were performed alternately for 10 min daily. Participants performed stretching exercise again during the cool-down session. In addition, a brochure was provided to the participants. Once a week, each participant was encouraged to exercise by the same physical therapist or occupational therapist via telephone.
The time course of passive stiffness responses following an acute bout of static stretching in healthy, elderly men
Published in Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 2022
Ty B. Palmer, Ahalee C. Farrow, Chinonye C. Agu-Udemba, Ethan A. Mitchell
Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the stretch-induced decreases in passive stiffness, including: increases in tendon compliance (Kubo, Kanehisa, and Fukunaga, 2002); muscle fascicle length (Fowles, Sale, and MacDougall, 2000); and deformation of the noncontractile proteins of the endosarcomeric and exosarcomeric cytoskeletons (i.e. titin and desmin) (Gajdosik, 2001). Another possible mechanism could be alterations in the intramuscular connective tissues (Palmer, 2019). Purslow (1989) indicated that the connective tissues, particularly the perimysium, may be a major contributor to passive stiffness. Because increases in the length of the connective tissues have been reported to occur as a result of stretching (Gajdosik, 2001), such changes may decrease passive tissue resistance, which could cause a reduction in the stiffness properties of the muscle (Palmer, 2019). In this study, we found that four repeated bouts of 15-s SLR static stretching elicited transient decreases in stiffness that returned to baseline within 5 to 10 minutes. Although the reason for this is uncertain, Ryan et al. (2008) suggested that the rapid recovery of passive stiffness observed after short durations of stretching may be related to connective tissue and muscle viscoelastic recoil. Further research using ultrasound imaging combined with passive torque and ROM data is needed to determine the time course of the mechanisms responsible for the stretch-induced decreases in passive stiffness.
Muscle stretching changes neuromuscular function involved in ankle stability
Published in Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 2020
Alex Sandra Oliveira de Cerqueira, Renato José Soares, Renata de Azevedo Antunes Corrêa, Bruno Mezêncio, Alberto Carlos Amadio, Júlio Cerca Serrão
For many years, static stretching was commonly performed prior to exercise and the training for various sports modalities (American College of Sports Medicine, 2000). Stretching have been associated with injury prevention and improved performance (Lima et al. 2014; Minshull et al. 2013; Shellock and Prentice 1985). However, stretching does not reduce the rate of sport injuries (Fredberg et al. 2008; Lauersen et al. 2014; McHugh and Cosgrave 2010). Additionally, static stretching can reduce the capacity of muscles to produce maximum force and can decrease muscle explosive performance (Garber et al. 2011; Simic et al. 2013; Taylor et al. 2009).