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Related Experiment Videos

Does stretching induce lasting increases in joint ROM? A systematic review.

Lisa Harvey1, Robert Herbert, Jack Crosbie

  • 1School of Physiotherapy, University of Sydney, Australia. harveyl@doh.health.nsw.gov.au

Physiotherapy Research International : the Journal for Researchers and Clinicians in Physical Therapy
|May 8, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Stretching can improve joint mobility, with effects lasting beyond one day in individuals without significant contractures. Further high-quality research is needed to confirm these lasting benefits and explore effects in other populations.

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Area of Science:

  • Physiotherapy
  • Rehabilitation Medicine
  • Sports Science

Background:

  • Stretching increases soft tissue extensibility, commonly used to enhance joint mobility and address contractures.
  • The long-term efficacy of stretching interventions on joint mobility remains unclear.
  • This review investigates the lasting effects of stretching on joint range of motion (ROM).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review randomized studies on the lasting effects of stretching on joint mobility.
  • To assess if stretching produces sustained increases in joint range of motion.
  • To evaluate stretching in individuals without pre-existing joint issues from surgery, trauma, or disease.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

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  • Inclusion criteria: studies measuring joint ROM at least one day post-stretching.
  • Databases searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, PEDro; citation tracking used.
  • Study quality assessed using the PEDro scale.

    • Main Results:

    • Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria, focusing on healthy subjects without significant contractures.
    • Four 'moderate' quality studies indicated regular stretching increases joint ROM by an average of 8 degrees, lasting over one day.
    • Nine studies were of 'poor' quality; findings suggest stretching may be more effective for less extensible muscle groups.

    Conclusions:

    • Moderate-quality evidence suggests stretching provides lasting benefits for joint ROM in individuals without significant contractures.
    • High-quality studies are required to validate these findings.
    • The lasting effects of intensive stretching or stretching in individuals with significant contractures have not been adequately studied.