The Effects of Static Stretching Intensity on Range of Motion and Strength: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The aim of this study was to systematically review the evidence on the outcomes of using different intensities of static stretching on range of motion (ROM) and strength. PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane controlled trials databases were searched between October 2021 and February 2022 for studies that examined the effects of different static stretching intensities on range of motion and strength. Out of 6285 identified records, 18 studies were included in the review. Sixteen studies examined outcomes on ROM and four on strength (two studies included outcomes on both ROM and strength). All studies demonstrated that static stretching increased ROM; however, eight studies demonstrated that higher static stretching intensities led to larger increases in ROM. Two of the four studies demonstrated that strength decreased more following higher intensity stretching versus lower intensity stretching. It appears that higher intensity static stretching above the point of discomfort and pain may lead to greater increases in ROM, but further research is needed to confirm this. It is unclear if high-intensity static stretching leads to a larger acute decrease in strength than lower intensity static stretching.

Acute Effects of Stretching Exercises on Posterior Chain: Analysis of Shear Modulus by Elastography SSI

“…While our study primarily delves into exploring the mechanical characteristics of muscle-tendon units in response to stretching exercises, it is crucial to acknowledge that several factors, beyond muscle and tendon stiffness, contribute to changes in ROM. Recent reviews suggest that changes in sensations like stretch perception and discomfort markedly affect an individual's capacity to endure stretching, consequently impacting ROM [ 10 , 11 , 32 ]. Several studies demonstrate that acute static stretching leads to an augmented range of motion (ROM), reduced passive resistive torque (PRT) [ 19 , 33 – 36 ], and increased maximum tolerable PRT [ 37 – 39 ].…”

“…These findings suggest that the effects of stretching on ROM are multifactored and extend beyond muscle and tendon properties. Furthermore, it is important to consider that recent studies [ 10 , 11 , 32 ] suggest that alterations in joint range of motion following stretching are influenced by adjustments in individual sensations, such as stretch perception or discomfort, thereby impacting one's tolerance to stretch.…”

“…Gains of the maximum joint ROM are usually related to the stretching protocol efficacy. However, the various factors that contribute to increased ROM, including acute neural adaptations such as stretch tolerance [ 7 , 8 ] and alterations in sensory sensations like stretch perception [ 9 ], acute mechanical alterations, reductions in the passive torque curve [ 10 ], and transient alterations in the mechanical properties of the tissue [ 11 ], particularly its stiffness.…”

The knowledge of movement experts about stretching effects: Does the science reach practice?

“…The literature search returned a total of 27 systematic reviews (n = 14 with meta-analysis) on a total of 11 topics. Two reviews addressed acute [49,50] and four [12,14,15,51] chronic ROM effects. The same applied to strength outcomes (acute: [21,49], chronic: [52][53][54][55].…”

“…Two reviews addressed acute [49,50] and four [12,14,15,51] chronic ROM effects. The same applied to strength outcomes (acute: [21,49], chronic: [52][53][54][55]. Nine papers [9, 26-28, 34, 35, 56-58] examined prevention of injury, while three reviews investigated a potential prophylactic impact on muscle soreness [28,57,59].…”