A New Tool to Assess the Perception of Stretching Intensity

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a valid and reliable scale to assess the perception of stretching intensity below and above the maximal range of motion. Experiments were conducted through a passive leg extension angle-torque assessment to healthy population (n = 90). In the study's first phase, the visual, numerical, and description of the stretching intensity scale (SIS) components were developed. The visual analog scale (VAS) score, absolute magnitude estimation (AME) score, and verbal stretching intensity symptom descriptors were assessed for different stretching intensities. In the second phase, the SIS was tested for validity, reliability, scale production, and estimation properties as well as responsiveness to stretching. In the first phase, a high correlation was found between SIS score and range of motion (ROM), as well as SIS and torque in both submaximal (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.89-0.99, r = 0.88-0.99) and supramaximal (ICC = 0.75-0.86, r = 0.68-0.88) stretching intensities. The AME and VAS scores fitted well in an exponential model for submaximal stretching intensities (y = 14.829e, ICC = 0.97 [0.83-0.99], r = 0.98), and in a linear model for supramaximal stretching intensities (y = 0.7667x - 25.751, ICC = 0.97 [0.89-0.99], r = 0.9594). For the second phase, a high correlation was found between SIS score and ROM (r = 0.70-0.76, ICC = 0.76-0.85), as well as SIS and torque (r = 0.62-0.88, ICC = 0.57-0.85). The interday reliability was high to produce (r = 0.70, ICC = 0.70 [0.50-0.83]) or estimate (r = 0.89, ICC = 0.89 [0.82-0.93]) stretching intensities. The acute stretching effects on ROM and passive torque were detectable using the SIS. It is expected a high application in assessing the stretch intensity using the SIS in future studies and practical interventions.

The UP150: A Multifactorial Environmental Intervention to Promote Employee Physical and Mental Well-Being

“…Starting with a large distance, participants had to perform a backward and subsequently a forward circle with upper limbs extended without losing grip. The participants were asked to repeat the test gradually reducing the hands distance, until they reached their limit without pain perception (value 100 of SIS scale [71]). The maximal acquirable score was 10 points.…”

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“…And if stretching intensity is not properly described, any comparisons can be limited (Sands et al, 2013). Instead, we believe that stretching intensity could be more rigorously assessed with instruments such as the Stretching Intensity Scale (Freitas et al, 2015). The black diamond reflects the overall result.…”

Comparison Between Contract–Relax Stretching and Antagonist Contract–Relax Stretching on Gastrocnemius Medialis Passive Properties

“…Second, the stretching intensity was different among participants, as DF ROM was defined as the maximum tolerable ROM without pain. Freitas et al (2015b) examined ROM using verbal and visual analog scales to evaluate the stretching intensity; these scales should be used to define stretching intensity based on ROM. Therefore, we should unify the stretching intensity between participants by using a verbal or visual analog scale.…”