Stretching Impacts Inflammation Resolution in Connective Tissue

Abstract

Acute inflammation is accompanied from its outset by the release of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), including resolvins, that orchestrate the resolution of local inflammation. We showed earlier that, in rats with subcutaneous inflammation of the back induced by carrageenan, stretching for 10 minutes twice daily reduced inflammation and improved pain, two weeks after carrageenan injection. In this study, we hypothesized that stretching of connective tissue activates local pro-resolving mechanisms within the tissue in the acute phase of inflammation. In rats injected with carrageenan and randomized to stretch vs. no stretch for 48 hours, stretching reduced inflammatory lesion thickness and neutrophil count, and increased resolvin (RvD1) concentrations within lesions. Furthermore, subcutaneous resolvin injection mimicked the effect of stretching. In ex vivo experiments, stretching of connective tissue reduced the migration of neutrophils and increased tissue RvD1 concentration. These results demonstrate a direct mechanical impact of stretching on inflammation-regulation mechanisms within connective tissue.

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“…Noticing the paucity of metastases to muscle, Weiss (52) found rapid destruction of injected tumor cells by contracting muscles. Animal models have shown that gentle stretching can reduced chronic inflammation and collagen deposition within local connective tissue (53)(54)(55) and that manual manipulation of lymphatics can modify lymphatic flow, which plays a pivotal role in the interaction between connective tissue and tumors (13,56). Although separating mechanical versus biochemical effects is difficult in vivo, experiments ex vivo are suggesting that stretching of connective tissues may have local anti-inflammatory effects independent of vascular, neural, or other systemic factors (53).…”

“…Animal models have shown that gentle stretching can reduced chronic inflammation and collagen deposition within local connective tissue (53)(54)(55) and that manual manipulation of lymphatics can modify lymphatic flow, which plays a pivotal role in the interaction between connective tissue and tumors (13,56). Although separating mechanical versus biochemical effects is difficult in vivo, experiments ex vivo are suggesting that stretching of connective tissues may have local anti-inflammatory effects independent of vascular, neural, or other systemic factors (53). This raises the question of whether the growth, spreading, and/or dissemination of a malignant lesion could be inhibited by mechanical forces applied actively or passively (e.g., during stretching exercises, yoga, massage, or acupuncture).…”

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“…Nevertheless, a recent study has shown that the maintenance of stretching for 10 minutes has a direct positive effect on the regulatory mechanism of inflammation in the connective tissue (Berrueta et al, 2016). This time duration of exercise (10 min) differs completely from the maintenance time recommended for conventional stretching exercises.…”

“…The conventional approach recommend a duration of 10 to 30 seconds approximately, which has already been used in studies involving Jiu-Jitsu (ACSM, 2014;Costa et al, 2009;Oliveira et al, 2014). In other words, there is a hypothesis that the performing of stretching with proper time and care, just as used in the study of Berrueta et al (2016), may help in the maintenance and restoration of normal thermal asymmetry values.…”

“…The conventional approach recommend a duration of 10 to 30 seconds approximately, which has already been used in studies involving Jiu-Jitsu (ACSM, 2014); Costa et al, 2009); Oliveira et al, 2014). In other words, there is a hypothesis that performing of stretching with proper time and care, just as used in the study of Berrueta et al (2016), may be helpful to attenuate the exercise-induced inflammatory response and, consequently, improve recovery status after exertion. Global Active Stretching (SGA®) is a nonconventional stretching method that most closely approximates to the recommendation for stretching maintenance time suggested by Berrueta et al (2016) (Grau, 2004); Souchard, 2012).…”