A Comparison of Two Stretching Modalities on Lower-Limb Range of Motion Measurements in Recreational Dancers

Abstract

Most stretching techniques are designed to place a "stress" on the musculoskeletal unit that will increase its resting length and range of motion (ROM). Twenty-four adolescent dancers participated in a 6-week intervention program that compared low-intensity stretching (Microstretching) with moderate-intensity static stretching on active and passive ranges of motion. Microstretching is a new modality that reduces the possibility of the parasympathetic system being activated. Repeated measures analysis indicated changes in ROM over the intervention period (p < 0.05), with the Microstretching group demonstrating greater increases in passive and active ROM than the static stretch group (p < 0.01); there was no noted bilateral differences in ROM. The results from this study agree with past studies that have found that stretching increases the compliance of any given muscle and therefore increases the range of motion. One main finding of the present study was that throughout a 6-week training program very-low-intensity stretching had a greater positive effect on lower-limb ROM than moderate-intensity static stretching. The most interesting aspect of the study was the greater increase in active ROM compared to passive ROM by the Microstretching group. This suggests that adaptation has occurred within the muscle itself to a greater extent than in structures of the hip joint. Practical application for this technique suggests it is beneficial as a postexercise modality that potentially has a restorative component.

The Relation Between Stretching Typology and Stretching Duration: The Effects on Range of Motion

“…Five articles analyzed active stretching [2,3,26,38,42], two studies analyzed ballistic stretching [23,30], seven articles analyzed passive stretching [21,24,26,31,38,39,44], two articles analyzed PNF stretching [26,29] and seven articles analyzed static stretching [4, 6-9, 34, 44] (▶ Table 2).…”

The Effect of Whole-Body Vibration on Jump Height and Active Range of Movement in Female Dancers

“…A number of studies have reported different methods of improving hip AROM using stretching (32) and strengthening (16). The present study was the first study to demonstrate the benefit of short exposure to WBV has on AROM, though Gilsanz and colleagues (14) …”

Stretch Intensity vs. Inflammation: A Dose-dependent Association?

“…Studies referring to stretching intensity (Marschall, 1999;Wyon, et al, 2009;Wyon, et al, 2013) demonstrate a disagreement, with some reporting a benefit for increased ROM occurring following low intense stretch (Wyon, et al, 2009;Wyon, et al, 2013), whereas at least one study observed that maximum stretches lead to significantly ROM increases (Marschall, 1999). Regardless of what is reported with regard to stretching intensity, what is consistent is that intensity is difficult to measure quantitatively explaining the plethora of stretching articles referring to duration and frequency, which are easily quantifiable.…”

“…The training parameters of intensity, duration and frequency, feature prominently in stretching and training programmes (Marschall, 1999;Mujika et al, 1995), with appropriate combinations of these parameters believed to produce an adaptive response (Mujika, et al, 1995;Wyon, Felton, & Galloway, 2009).…”