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  11. Is Nerve-directed Stretching Effective For Improving Of Ankle Joint Flexibility And Tissue Stiffness In Older Men?

Is nerve-directed stretching effective for improving of ankle joint flexibility and tissue stiffness in older men?

Kosuke Hirata1, Daiki Watanabe2, Toshiaki Soga3,4

  • 1Institute of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 305-8574, Japan.

Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition
|June 13, 2025

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View abstract on PubMed

Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Nerve-directed stretching did not show greater improvements in joint flexibility or tissue stiffness compared to muscle-directed stretching in older men. Both methods improved range of motion and reduced sciatic nerve stiffness similarly.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Biomechanics
  • Physiotherapy

Background:

  • Age-related joint stiffness reduces mobility and increases fall risk in older adults.
  • Current stretching methods primarily target muscle tissue.
  • The efficacy of nerve-directed stretching for improving flexibility and tissue properties in older populations is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the acute effects of nerve-directed stretching versus muscle-directed stretching on joint flexibility and tissue stiffness in older men.
  • To determine if nerve-directed stretching offers superior improvements in range of motion and tissue mechanical properties.

Main Methods:

  • Twenty-seven older men participated in the study.
  • Participants performed both nerve-directed and muscle-directed stretching protocols (400s each) on separate days.
Keywords:
fasciarange of motionshear wave elastographythe medial gastrocnemius

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  • Maximum ankle dorsiflexion (range of motion) and shear wave propagation velocity (tissue stiffness) of neural and fascial tissues were measured before and after each stretching session.

    • Main Results:

    • Both nerve-directed and muscle-directed stretching significantly increased ankle range of motion.
    • Both stretching protocols led to a significant reduction in sciatic nerve stiffness (shear wave propagation velocity).
    • No significant differences in the magnitude of improvement in range of motion or sciatic nerve stiffness were observed between the two stretching conditions.

    Conclusions:

    • Acute nerve-directed stretching does not provide superior benefits for joint flexibility or tissue stiffness compared to muscle-directed stretching in older men.
    • Both stretching approaches yield similar improvements in ankle range of motion and sciatic nerve compliance.
    • Further research may explore long-term effects or different protocols for nerve-directed stretching.
    the sciatic nerve