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Perception-Based Methods and Beyond: A Current Opinion on How to Assess Static Stretching Intensity
Konstantin Warneke1,2,3, Anthony J Blazevich4, Daniel Jochum5
1Institute of Human Movement Science and Exercise Physiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany. Konstantin.Warneke@uni-jena.de.
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.)
|September 15, 2025
Summary
A clear definition for muscle stretch intensity is missing, impacting research and clinical practice. New methods are needed to objectively quantify stretch load for consistent results.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Muscle stretching is prevalent in clinical and athletic settings.
- A lack of consensus on defining stretch intensity complicates research and practice.
- Current methods of defining stretch intensity (e.g., perceived discomfort) have significant limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical need for a standardized definition of muscle stretch intensity.
- To discuss the limitations of current methods for quantifying stretch intensity.
- To propose avenues for future research to establish objective measures of stretch intensity.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on muscle stretching and intensity quantification.
- Analysis of the limitations of subjective (pain/discomfort) and objective (ROM, torque) measures.
- Discussion of alternative approaches for defining stretch intensity.
Main Results:
- Subjective measures of stretch intensity are unreliable and lack objective quantification.
- Measures based on range of motion or stretch distance have non-linear relationships with tissue load.
- Peak passive torque or resistive force offers a more consistent measure but can be difficult to assess.
Conclusions:
- There is an urgent need for a universally accepted definition of stretch intensity.
- Further research is required to develop reliable and practical methods for quantifying stretch intensity in diverse populations.
- Standardized stretch intensity measures are crucial for advancing clinical practice and scientific understanding of stretching.
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