Active stretching improves flexibility, joint torque, and functional mobility in older women

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Exercise Physiology
• Kinesiology

Background:

• Aging is associated with decreased muscle flexibility, strength, and functional mobility.
• Maintaining physical function is crucial for independence and quality of life in older adults.
• Targeted exercise interventions can mitigate age-related declines in physical function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of an active stretching program on knee flexor flexibility, torque, and functional mobility in older women.
• To test the hypothesis that active knee-flexor stretching enhances flexibility, muscle torque, and functional mobility.

Main Methods:

• A 12-week study involving twelve active older women (mean age 68.3 ± 6.2 yrs).
• The study employed a crossover design with two 4-week control phases (A1, A2) and one 4-week intervention phase (B).
• Intervention phase included twice-weekly active knee-flexor stretching (7 repetitions, 1 min each). Assessments included knee-extension range of motion, Timed Up & Go test, and isokinetic dynamometry.

Main Results:

• Active stretching significantly increased knee flexor flexibility by 41.5% (P = 0.0001).
• Knee flexor and extensor torque increased by 11.4% and 10.1%, respectively (P ≤ 0.01).
• Functional mobility, measured by the Timed Up & Go test, improved by 14.3% (P = 0.0001).

Conclusions:

• An active stretching program is effective for enhancing knee flexor flexibility in older women.
• The program also demonstrated efficacy in improving both knee flexor and extensor muscle torque.
• Significant improvements in functional mobility were observed, highlighting the program's overall benefit for older adults.