Evaluation of a static stretching intervention on vascular endothelial function and arterial stiffness

Abstract

A 3-month static stretching intervention was found to improve vascular endothelial function, and an additional 3-month intervention also improved arterial stiffness. However, these effects were reversed by detraining.

Evidence for improved systemic and local vascular function after long‐term passive static stretching training of the musculoskeletal system

“…The changes in arterial stiffness and blood pressure are partially in agreement with previous work (Williams et al 2013;Wong & Figueroa, 2014). Similar changes were noted in an elderly but not in a young population (Yamamoto et al 2009;Williams et al 2013;Wong & Figueroa, 2014;Shinno et al 2017). Such a discrepancy may be attributed to PS training duration and sample size.…”

“…Such a discrepancy may be attributed to PS training duration and sample size. Previous studies had shorter training periods and/or training sessions than our study, with a lower total amount of stretching (Wong & Figueroa, 2014;Shinno et al 2017). Additionally, previous studies did not mention participant adherence to the protocol (Williams et al 2013;Wong & Figueroa, 2014;Shinno et al 2017), which in our case was set at 80% to ensure a minimum of involvement by all participants.…”

“…Blood flow (Q ) distribution throughout body vasculature is strongly influenced by the balance of the sympathetic activity (Sandoo et al 2010;Thijssen et al 2014;Venturelli et al 2019) and localized vasodilator mechanisms (Widlansky et al 2003;Wilson et al 2016). Recent studies have reported that acute passive static stretching (PS), a well-established practice in rehabilitation and sport to increase joint range of motion (ROM) (Esposito et al 2011;Kay & Blazevich, 2012;Behm et al 2015), may have a positive effect on vascular function, arterial stiffness and arterial structure (Cortez-Cooper et al 2008;Kato et al 2017;Shinno et al 2017).…”

“…Moreover, the relaxation phase in between two subsequent stretches is always characterized by hyperaemia due to a reduction in peripheral vascular resistance after stretch-induced deformation of the vessel (Venturelli et al 2019). While the effects of acute PS onQ , and vascular function and structure in the feeding arteries of the stretched muscle have been already extensively investigated, some data are also available on vascular function and arterial stiffness ameliorations induced by long-term PS training (Cortez-Cooper et al 2008;Kato et al 2017;Shinno et al 2017). However, the indirect approach used in the previous studies to assess vascular function changes after PS training did not permit evaluation of possible PS training-induced mechanical remodulations of the arterial wall in the vessels directly involved in PS training.…”

Effects of yoga interventions practised in heated and thermoneutral conditions on endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation: The Bikram yoga heart study

“…These acute increases in blood flow during the postures may have induced a shear‐stress‐mediated upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity, a mechanism previously documented (Seals, Jablonski, & Donato, ) that leads to improvements in endothelial function. Although some inherent variation exists, the two predominant components of yoga postures are stretching and isometric muscular contractions, both of which have been associated with enhancements in endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation (Badrov et al., ; Badrov, Freeman, Zokvic, Millar, & McGowan, ; Shinno et al., ). In addition to the savasana after ‘tree pose’, each of the postures in Bikram yoga beginning with ‘wind removing pose’ is followed by 20 s of savasana or lying supine with arms close to the body, palms up and heels together (mimicking the anatomical position).…”