Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 30, 2026

Muscle Imbalances: Testing and Training Functional Eccentric Hamstring Strength in Athletic Populations
Published on: May 1, 2018
Acute effects of stretching on maximal muscle strength and functional performance: A systematic review of
Koya Mine1, Takashi Nakayama2, Steve Milanese1
1International Centre for Allied Health Evidence, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
Background:
There is no consensus in the English-language literature regarding the best types or dosages of stretching to maximise muscle strength and functional performance. It is possible that primary research published in non-English languages provides different insights, and could add to the body of international knowledge.
Purpose:
This systematic review aimed to identify and evaluate Japanese-language randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating acute effects of stretching on maximal strength and functional performance.
Methods:
Three Japanese databases and five English databases were searched from inception to 24 March 2015. Only Japanese-language RCTs examining acute effects of stretching on maximal strength and/or functional performance were included. Risk of bias in included studies was assessed using Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. GRADE (Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach was applied to evaluate the quality of evidence. Descriptive synthesis was attempted.
Results:
Seven RCTs with variable methodological quality were included. No two studies were the same, thus meta-analysis was not possible. Descriptively, because of heterogeneity of interventions and outcome measures, it was not possible to identify consensus on the benefits of stretching. GRADE approach indicated low to very low quality evidence for this topic.
Conclusion:
This review of Japanese-language RCTs provided no additional information to strengthen or challenge the current English-language evidence base on acute effects of stretching on maximal strength and performance. Future Japanese-language studies should address methodological flaws exposed in this review and incorporate functional outcome measures to strengthen the international evidence base.
More Related Videos
08:40Isokinetic Robotic Device to Improve Test-Retest and Inter-Rater Reliability for Stretch Reflex Measurements in Stroke Patients with Spasticity
Published on: June 12, 2019
12:59Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People
Published on: July 5, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Muscle Stimulation Frequency
Wave summation
At low firing rates, motor neurons induce individual twitch contractions in muscle fibers. These twitches...
Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects
Unlike...
Classification of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants
Peripherally acting skeletal muscle relaxants interfere with the neurotransmission at the neuromuscular end plate to induce paralysis during...
Relaxation of Skeletal Muscles
When an action potential reaches the axon terminal, it depolarizes the membrane and opens voltage-gated sodium channels. Sodium ions enter the cell, further depolarizing the presynaptic membrane. This depolarization causes voltage-gated calcium channels to open....
Isotonic and Isometric Muscle Contractions
Isotonic contractions
Isotonic contractions occur when a muscle changes length while...