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Abstract Background Stretching exercises are widely used for pain relief and show positive effects on musculoskeletal, nociplastic and neuropathic pain; the magnitude of altered pain sensitivity responses following regular stretching is currently unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effect of six weeks of regular stretching exercise on regional and widespread pain sensitivity and range of motion and the effect of stretching cessation on regional and widespread pain sensitivity and range of motion. Methods An experimental single-blind longitudinal repeated measures study. Twenty-six healthy adults were recruited. Regional and distant pressure pain thresholds and passive knee extension range of motion were measured at three points: before (baseline) and after six weeks (post-stretch) of daily bilateral hamstring stretching exercises and following four weeks of cessation (post-cessation) from stretching exercises. Results Participants had a mean ± standard deviation (range) age of 23.8 ± 2.1 (21–30) years. There was a 36.7% increase in regional (p = 0.003), an 18.7% increase in distant pressure pain thresholds (p = 0.042) and a 3.6% increase in range of motion (p = 0.002) between baseline and post-stretch measures. No statistically significant differences were found for regional (p = 1.000) or distant pressure pain thresholds (p = 1.000), or range of motion (p = 1.000) between post-stretch and post-cessation. A 41.2% increase in distant pressure pain thresholds (p = 0.001), a 15.4% increase in regional pressure pain thresholds from baseline to post-cessation (p = 0.127) and a 3.6% increase in passive knee extension range of motion (p = 0.005) were found from baseline to post-cessation. Conclusions Six weeks of regular stretching exercises significantly decreased regional and widespread pain sensitivity. Moreover, the results showed that the hypoalgesic effect of stretching on regional and widespread pain sensitivity persisted following four weeks of cessation. The results further support the rationale of adding stretching exercises to rehabilitation efforts for patients experiencing nociceptive, nociplastic, and neuropathic pain. However, further research is needed to investigate how the long-term effects of stretching exercises compare with no treatment in clinical populations. Trial registration The trial was registered June 1st, 2021 at ClinicalTrials.gov (Trial registration number NCT04919681).

Background: Stretching exercises are widely used for pain relief and show positive effects on musculoskeletal, nociplastic and neuropathic pain; the magnitude of altered pain sensitivity responses following regular stretching is currently unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effect of six weeks of regular stretching exercise on regional and widespread pain sensitivity and range of motion and the effect of stretching cessation on regional and widespread pain sensitivity and range of motion. Methods: An experimental single-blind longitudinal repeated measures study. Twenty-six healthy adults were recruited. Regional and distant pressure pain thresholds and passive knee extension range of motion were measured at three points: before (baseline) and after six weeks (post-stretch) of daily bilateral hamstring stretching exercises and following four weeks of cessation (post-cessation) from stretching exercises. Results: Participants had a mean ± standard deviation (range) age of 23.8 ± 2.1 (21–30) years. There was a 36.7% increase in regional (p = 0.003), an 18.7% increase in distant pressure pain thresholds (p = 0.042) and a 3.6% increase in range of motion (p = 0.002) between baseline and post-stretch measures. No statistically significant differences were found for regional (p = 1.000) or distant pressure pain thresholds (p = 1.000), or range of motion (p = 1.000) between post-stretch and post-cessation. A 41.2% increase in distant pressure pain thresholds (p = 0.001), a 15.4% increase in regional pressure pain thresholds from baseline to post-cessation (p = 0.127) and a 3.6% increase in passive knee extension range of motion (p = 0.005) were found from baseline to post-cessation. Conclusions: Six weeks of regular stretching exercises significantly decreased regional and widespread pain sensitivity. Moreover, the results showed that the hypoalgesic effect of stretching on regional and widespread pain sensitivity persisted following four weeks of cessation. The results further support the rationale of adding stretching exercises to rehabilitation efforts for patients experiencing nociceptive, nociplastic, and neuropathic pain. However, further research is needed to investigate how the long-term effects of stretching exercises compare with no treatment in clinical populations. Trial registration: The trial was registered June 1st, 2021 at ClinicalTrials.gov (Trial registration number NCT04919681). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perkembangan industri batik di Pekalongan tidak hanya diindustri besar akan tetapi pada industri kecil menengah. Hal ini dipengaruhi adanya peningkatan permintaan pasar batik baik nasional maupun internasional. Dampak dari peningkatan tersebut menyebabkan beban kerja naik dan memunculakan masalah kesehatan jika tidak dilakukan preventif maupun promotif. Salah satu masalah yang muncul pada pekerja batik yaitu keluhan muskuloskeletal dan peningkatan beban fisiologi sehingga dapat menurunkan produktivitas pekerja. Upaya untuk meminimalisir problem tersebut ialah stretching dan slow deep breathing exercise. Penelitian ini bertujuan membantu menurunkan keluhan muskuloskeletal dan meningkatkan produktivitas pada pengrajin batik dengan pemberian latihan Active Stretchingdan slow deep breathing exercise. Penelitian ini berupa penelitian eksperimental, dengan menggunakan rancangan sama subjek (treatment by subject design). Jumlah subjek penelitan 24 orang.. Analisa data pada penelitian ini menggunakan uji paired sample t-test. Adanya penurunan secara signifikan pada keluhan muskuloskeletal dan peningkatan produktivitas pekerja batik pada sebelum diberikan intervensi (periode 1) dengan setelah intervensi ( periode 2). Latihan active stetching dan slow deep breathing dapat menurunkan keluhan musculoskeletal dan peningkatan produktivitas pada pekrja batik. Dibutuhkan waktu yang cukup lama dan spesifik pada pekerja batik untuk lebih detail dalam penelitian selanjutnya.

Background: The shortening of the pectoralis minor muscle (PMi-M) and weakening of the lower trapezius muscle (LTr-M) affect scapular movement, resulting in the development of a rounded shoulder posture and reduction in the shoulder flexion range of motion (SFROM). Objective: This study evaluated the combined effect of LTr-M strengthening and PMi-M stretching on correcting the rounded shoulder postures and SFROM among young Saudi females. Methods: This study was based on a two-arm parallel-group repeated measures randomized comparative design. A total of sixty female participants with rounded shoulder postures were recruited and randomly allocated into groups 1 and 2 (n = 30/group). Each group performed supervised PMi-M stretching; however, group 2 performed a combination of LTr-M strengthening and PMi-M stretching. The outcomes, including rounded shoulder posture and SFROM, were assessed using the pectoralis minor length test (PMLT) and universal goniometer. A repeated measure ANOVA was used to compare the differences within-group and between-group for the outcomes measures at one-week (baseline) pre-intervention, two weeks, and three -weeks post-intervention. The significance level was set at q > 2.00 and p < 0.05 for all respective statistical analyses. Results: The within-group comparison revealed significant improvements (q > 2.00) in the outcomes of PMLT and SFROM when comparing their post-intervention scores to the baseline scores. The between-group comparison revealed a significant and an insignificant (q < 2.00) difference in the outcomes of PMLT and SFROM, respectively when comparing their scores at the second- and third-week post-intervention. Furthermore, the effect size of the intervention suggests an advantage of group 2 over group 1 in increasing the resting length of the PMi-M only among young Saudi females. Conclusions: The combined effect of LTr-M strengthening and PMi-M stretching was more beneficial than PMi-M stretching alone in correcting the rounded shoulder posture among young Saudi females by increasing PMi-M resting length. However, it could not yield a differential improvement in the SFROM outcome among them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Poor joint flexibility can increase frailty and mortality rates in older adults. However, the evidence of the benefit in the response to flexibility exercises is still less attention especially in female older adults. This study examined the immediate effects of dynamic closed-chain stretching (DCS), eccentric exercise (ECC), and static stretching (ST) on muscle architecture, flexibility, and extensibility. We recruited 48 female elderly adults with a mean age of 66.2 ± 3.6 years and randomly divided them into three groups. DCS included dynamic hamstring stretching for 48 repetitions, while ECC comprised 12 repetitions of hamstring eccentric exercise followed by calf down for 12 repetitions. Static hamstring stretching was done eight times in the ST group. The measurements for hamstrings and plantar flexor musculotendinous stiffness, straight leg raise (SLR), passive ankle dorsiflexion (PDF), and muscle ultrasound imaging of biceps femoris (BF) and medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscles were performed before and immediately after exercise intervention. There was no change in hamstrings and plantar flexor passive stiffness in response to a single bout intervention. Moreover, SLR improvement was observed after all three interventions (p < 0.01) without significant differences between groups with increasing resting BF fascicle length (p < 0.01). Following ECC intervention, a similar change in PDF angle and MG fascicle length was also noticed. Our findings suggested that hamstrings and plantar flexor flexibilities were significantly improved with a contributable change in fascicle length rather than musculotendinous mechanical properties. Moreover, apart from the static stretching-related changes in leg flexibility, DCS or ECC could also be considered somewhat beneficial for the subsequent performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction Mechanical neck pain (MNP) is a commonly occurring musculoskeletal condition that is usually managed using electrical modalities, joint mobilization techniques, and therapeutic exercises, but has limited evidence of their efficacy. Pathology (densification) of the deep cervical fascia that occurs due to the increased viscosity of hyaluronic acid (HA) may induce neck pain and associated painful symptoms of the upper quarter region. Fascial manipulation (FM) and yoga poses are considered to reduce the thixotropy of the ground substances of the deep fascia and improve muscle function. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of FM and sequential yoga poses (SYP) when compared to the usual care on pain, function, and oculomotor control in MNP. Methods This FaCe-Man trial will recruit 160 patients with subacute and chronic mechanical neck pain diagnosed using predefined criteria. Participants will be randomized to either the intervention group or the usual care group, using a random allocation ratio of 1:1. Patients in the intervention group will receive FM (4 sessions in 4 weeks) and SYP (12 weeks) whereas the standard care group will receive cervical mobilization/ thoracic manipulation (4 sessions in 4 weeks) and therapeutic exercises (12 weeks). The primary outcome is the change in the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS). The secondary outcomes include changes in the patient-specific functional scale and oculomotor control, myofascial stiffness, fear-avoidance behavior questionnaire, and elbow extension range of motion during neurodynamics test 1. Discussion If found effective, FM along with SYP investigated in this trial can be considered as a treatment strategy in the management of mechanical neck pain. Considering the magnitude of the problem, and the pragmatic and patient-centered approach to be followed, it is worth investigating this trial. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov CTRI/2020/01/022934 . Registered on January 24, 2020 with ctri.nic.in. Clinical Trials Registry – India.

Background: The decreased balance in the elderly increases the risk of falling. An effective type of exercise is needed to improve balance for the elderly. Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine the difference in the effectiveness of adding active stretching with dynamic stretching to balance strategy exercise as a home-based exercise program in improving the balance for the elderly. Participants and Methods: This research was a randomized control trial. The participants were 36 elderly selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, divided into three groups. Group 1 was given dynamic stretching exercises to balance strategy exercises, Group 2 was assigned active stretching exercises to balance strategy exercise, and Group 3 was given balance strategy exercise only as a control group. Each group was given different exercises three times a week for 6 weeks. The balance ability of the elderly is measured using a Berg balance scale (BBS). Results: The mean difference scores of BBS before and after exercise with paired sample t-test increased in both groups with P < 0.05. It means that all groups had a significant impact, where the highest different score is in Group 2. The one-way ANOVA test showed a significant difference in the average posttest BBS value between the groups. Furthermore, the data were analyzed by the LSD post hoc test, where the results showed that all groups have significant differences against other groups (P < 0.05), with the best group being Group 2. Conclusion: According to the results, the addition of active stretching exercise to the balance strategy exercise as a home-based exercise program is the most effective in improving balance for the elderly.

Background: The decreased balance in the elderly increases the risk of falling. An effective type of exercise is needed to improve balance for the elderly. Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine the difference in the effectiveness of adding active stretching with dynamic stretching to balance strategy exercise as a home-based exercise program in improving the balance for the elderly. Participants and Methods: This research was a randomized control trial. The participants were 36 elderly selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, divided into three groups. Group 1 was given dynamic stretching exercises to balance strategy exercises, Group 2 was assigned active stretching exercises to balance strategy exercise, and Group 3 was given balance strategy exercise only as a control group. Each group was given different exercises three times a week for 6 weeks. The balance ability of the elderly is measured using a Berg balance scale (BBS). Results: The mean difference scores of BBS before and after exercise with paired sample t-test increased in both groups with P < 0.05. It means that all groups had a significant impact, where the highest different score is in Group 2. The one-way ANOVA test showed a significant difference in the average posttest BBS value between the groups. Furthermore, the data were analyzed by the LSD post hoc test, where the results showed that all groups have significant differences against other groups (P < 0.05), with the best group being Group 2. Conclusion: According to the results, the addition of active stretching exercise to the balance strategy exercise as a home-based exercise program is the most effective in improving balance for the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Mechanical neck pain (MNP) is a commonly occurring musculoskeletal condition that is usually managed using electrical modalities, joint mobilization techniques, and therapeutic exercises, but has limited evidence of their efficacy. Pathology (densification) of the deep cervical fascia that occurs due to the increased viscosity of hyaluronic acid (HA) may induce neck pain and associated painful symptoms of the upper quarter region. Fascial manipulation (FM) and yoga poses are considered to reduce the thixotropy of the ground substances of the deep fascia and improve muscle function. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of FM and sequential yoga poses (SYP) when compared to the usual care on pain, function, and oculomotor control in MNP.Methods: This FaCe-Man trial will recruit 160 patients with subacute and chronic mechanical neck pain diagnosed using predefined criteria. Participants will be randomized to either the intervention group or the usual care group, using a random allocation ratio of 1:1. Patients in the intervention group will receive FM (4 sessions in 4 weeks) and SYP (12 weeks) whereas the standard care group will receive cervical mobilization/ thoracic manipulation (4 sessions in 4 weeks) and therapeutic exercises (12 weeks). The primary outcome is the change in the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS). The secondary outcomes include changes in the patient-specific functional scale and oculomotor control, myofascial stiffness, fear-avoidance behavior questionnaire, and elbow extension range of motion during neurodynamics test 1.Discussion: If found effective, FM along with SYP investigated in this trial can be considered as a treatment strategy in the management of mechanical neck pain. Considering the magnitude of the problem, and the pragmatic and patient-centered approach to be followed, it is worth investigating this trial.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov CTRI/2020/01/022934 . Registered on January 24, 2020 with ctri.nic.in. Clinical Trials Registry - India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The benefits of providing static stretching exercise targeting the hips in patients with non-specific Low Back Pain (NSLBP) are not well established. The objective of the study was to verify the effects of static stretching on function, pain and range of motion on patients with non-specific Low Back Pain (NSLBP). Methods: Thirty females with NSLBP were randomly assigned to two control (n = 15) and experimental (n = 15) groups. The experimental group received 3 stretch practice sessions per week for a period of 8 weeks. The Oswestry low back pain Disability Questionnaire (ODI), visual analog scale (VAS), and passive hip range of motion (PROM) were employed before and after the intervention. Results: The results of mixed model analysis of variance indicate that the group × time interactions was not significant (p > 0.05) for all measurement outcomes. However, there was a main effect for Time (ODI: p = 0.002, VAS: p = 0.001, PROM-R: p = 0.016, PROM-L: p = 0.001). Such that the ODI, VAS, PROM-R, and PROM-L were showed significant differences before and after the intervention in the experimental group. Conclusions: The results demonstrated a significant difference in PROM, pain, and disability after 8 weeks of stretching exercises in participants with NSLBP and limited hip extension. Therefore, it would be reasonable to infer that NSLBP might be partly related to hip flexors tightness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Purpose The benefits of providing static stretching exercise targeting the hips in patients with non‐specific Low Back Pain (NSLBP) are not well established. The objective of the study was to verify the effects of static stretching on function, pain and range of motion on patients with non‐specific Low Back Pain (NSLBP). Methods Thirty females with NSLBP were randomly assigned to two control (n = 15) and experimental (n = 15) groups. The experimental group received 3 stretch practice sessions per week for a period of 8 weeks. The Oswestry low back pain Disability Questionnaire (ODI), visual analog scale (VAS), and passive hip range of motion (PROM) were employed before and after the intervention. Results The results of mixed model analysis of variance indicate that the group × time interactions was not significant (p > 0.05) for all measurement outcomes. However, there was a main effect for Time (ODI: p = 0.002, VAS: p = 0.001, PROM‐R: p = 0.016, PROM‐L: p = 0.001). Such that the ODI, VAS, PROM‐R, and PROM‐L were showed significant differences before and after the intervention in the experimental group. Conclusions The results demonstrated a significant difference in PROM, pain, and disability after 8 weeks of stretching exercises in participants with NSLBP and limited hip extension. Therefore, it would be reasonable to infer that NSLBP might be partly related to hip flexors tightness.

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. Objective: Active stretching of the body is integral to complementary mind-body therapies such as yoga, as well as physical therapy, yet the biologic mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects remain largely unknown. A previous study showed the impact of active stretching on inflammatory processes in rats. The present study tested the feasibility of using a porcine model, with a closer resemblance to human anatomy, to study the effects of active stretching in the resolution of localized inflammation. Design: A total of 12 pigs were trained to stretch before subcutaneous bilateral Carrageenan injection in the back at the L3 vertebrae, 2 cm from the midline. Animals were randomized to no-stretch or stretch, twice a day for 5 mins over 48 hrs. Animals were euthanized for tissue collection 48 hrs postinjection. Results: The procedure was well tolerated by the pigs. On average, lesion area was significantly smaller by 36% in the stretch group compared with the no-stretch group (P = 0.03). Conclusion: This porcine model shows promise for studying the impact of active stretching on inflammation-resolution mechanisms. These results are relevant to understanding the stretching-related therapeutic mechanisms of mind-body therapies. Future studies with larger samples are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Fizioterapija is the property of Slovenian Association of Physiotherapists and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Stretching highly‐contracted plantar flexor muscles (isokinetic eccentric contractions) results in beneficial adaptations in muscle strain risk factors; however its effects in other muscle groups, and on architectural characteristics and exercise‐induced muscle damage (EIMD), are unknown. Methods: The influence of a 6‐week knee extensor training program was studied in 26 volunteers (13 control; 13 experimental). Before and after the training program, passive and maximal isometric and eccentric knee extensor moments and range of motion (ROM) were recorded on an isokinetic dynamometer with simultaneous ultrasound imaging of vastus lateralis (VL). On a separate day, EIMD markers (creatine kinase [CK], delayed onset muscle soreness [DOMS]) were measured before and 24 hours after a 20‐minute downhill run. The 6‐week training program was performed twice‐weekly where five sets of 12 stretches (3 seconds per stretch) were imposed on maximally contracted knee extensor muscles. Results: Significant (P < 0.05) increases in eccentric (29.5%) and isometric (17.4%) moments, ROM (5.2°), stretch tolerance (55.4%), elastic energy storage (73.0%), VL thickness (7.8%), pennation angle (9.0%), and tendon stiffness (8.7%) occurred. No change (P > 0.05) in passive muscle‐tendon stiffness (−9.4%) or resting fascicle length (−0.7%) occurred. The downhill run resulted in substantial DOMS and significant increase in CK concentration before the training program (107.6%); however, DOMS was eliminated from the knee extensors and a significantly smaller increase in CK (−70.0%) occurred post‐training. Conclusion: Positive adaptations in functional and physiological variables confirm that imposing stretch on maximally contracted muscle provides beneficial adaptations likely to mitigate EIMD and injury risk and enhance functional performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been shown that acute static stretching (SS) may increase flexibility, improve performance and reduce the risk of muscle strains, but may also result in decreased maximal force output. Literature review revealed little research had specifically been done on the most effective ways to stretch the hip adductor muscles. The purpose was to determine the effects that an acute bout of SS (active vs passive) has on hip adductor flexibility and maintenance of strength. Randomized cross-over study using a 3 X 2 (Condition X Time) repeated measures ANOVA statistical design. Forty healthy and physically active subjects (20 male and 20 female) that screened positive for limited flexibility in hip adductor range of motion (ROM) participated. Following a warm-up, baseline maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) and peak static ROM tests were administered. On separate days subjects randomly performed either 60 seconds of passive SS, active SS, or a time-matched control protocol before post measures were recorded for MVC and ROM. There was a significant time effect (p<0.001) that revealed both types of SS and control resulted in increased ROM pre-to-post (passive = 1.0; active = 1.1; control = 0.6 degrees) with no between condition differences (p=0.171). Neither type of SS resulted in reduced strength. Both methods minimally increased hip adductor flexibility without a decrease in force output. This suggests that individuals do not need to avoid SS for the hip adductors prior to engaging in physical activity for fear of a strength decrement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different stretching strategies and protocols are widely used to improve flexibility or maintain health, acting on the muscle tendon-unit, in order to improve the range of motion (ROM) of the joints. This review aims to evaluate the current body of literature in order to understand the relation between stretching typology and ROM, and secondly to evaluate if a relation exists between stretching volume (either as a single training session, weekly training and weekly frequency) and ROM, after long-term stretching. Twenty-three articles were considered eligible and included in the quantitative synthesis. All stretching typologies showed ROM improvements over a long-term period, however the static protocols showed significant gains (p < 0.05) when compared to the ballistic or PNF protocols. Time spent stretching per week seems fundamental to elicit range of movement improvements when stretches are applied for at least or more than 5 min, whereas the time spent stretching within a single session does not seem to have significant effects for ROM gains. Weekly frequency is positively associated to ROM. Evaluated data indicates that performing stretching at least 5 days a week for at least 5 min per week using static stretching may be beneficial to promote ROM improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Various methods have been used for management of equinus deformity. However, stretching gastroc-soleus muscle and achilles tendon is a difficult task. It is labour intensive, which makes the provision of treatment difficult for many patients. Aim: To study the effectiveness of Tension Bar Tendon Stretch (TBTS) compared to conventional stretching in patients with equinus deformity in terms of improvement in equinus angle and spasticity. Materials and Methods: A prospective randomised case control study was done on 16 patients of both the sexes in the age group four years to 56 years. Patients were stratified based on presence or absence of spasticity. Patients were further randomly allotted to the study or control group. Study group received stretching with TBTS in addition to the conventional rehabilitation programme. Patients were assessed in terms of improvement in equinus deformity and spasticity (modified Ashworth scale). These indices were measured at 0 month (pretreatment), 1 month (post-treatment), and 6 months (follow up). Results: Equinus deformity in patients with spastic equinus changed from 22.4° to 12° in study group while in control group change was from 21° to 17°. The difference was statistically significant with p-value of 0.001. Non-spastic (post accidental) changed from 30° to 15° in study group while in control group change was from 31° to 23° with p-value of 0.001. Modified Ashworth Score (MAS) was assessed only in spastic equinus, while in study group MAS changed from 2.8 to 1.5 and MAS change was 2.6 to 2 in control group; this difference after six months of therapy was statistically significant with a p-value of 0.001. Conclusion: TBTS can be an effective tool in rehabilitation of patients having equinus deformity; it provides an effective and patient controlled stretching and no need for a physical therapist. TBTS is a novel but simple instrument that can be made locally by the patient or the family.

Objective: To study the effect of active stretching of ankle plantarflexors using an interactive dynamic stander in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: Six children in Gross Motor Function Classification System classes I-III, aged 4-10 years, trained intensive active dorsiflexion in an interactive dynamic stander using ankle movement to play custom computer games following a 10-week control period. Gross Motor Function Measure Item Set, gait performance and passive and active dorsiflexion with extended and flexed knee were chosen as outcome parameters. Results: Median active and passive ankle dorsiflexion increased significantly (5 and 10 degrees, respectively) with extended knee. There was a small but clinically significant increase in gross motor function. The intervention had no effect on temporospatial gait parameters. Conclusion: In spite of the low number of participants, these results may indicate that intensive active stretching in an interactive dynamic stander could be an effective new conservative clinical treatment of ankle plantarflexor contracture in children with CP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Andaluza de Medicina del Deporte is the property of Centro Andaluza de Medicina del Deporte and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article discusses the effect of warm-up with dynamic stretching on the performance in 10-meter and 20-meter sprint of trained male athletes. It focuses on the repeated-measure for active dynamic stretching (ADS) incorporates during the warm-ups. An overview of the warm-up for leg muscles which include the gastrocnemius, hamstrings, and gluteals is provided.

Background: The Global Postural Re-education (GPR) method has been widely used in clinical practice, with reported benefits for prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal dysfunctions. In parallel with almost two decades of clinical implementation, research studies have tested and verified the effectiveness of GPR in treating different clinical conditions and have also compared this method with other physical therapy resources. However, few studies focused on the verification of the principles of mechanisms of action defended by the author of the method making the arguments in favor of the method weak. Objective: To perform a critical systematic review of the effects of physical therapy intervention that use the GPR method. Methods: We searched Medline, SciELO, LILACS and PeDRO, from 2000 to 2010, considering the key words: Global Postural Re-education, global and active stretching. Results: We found 25 studies, 13 about GPR and 8 about global and active stretching in addition to three books and a thesis. After analysis, 20 references were included. Conclusions: Some of the studies indicated that the GPR method was more effective than other physical therapy interventions, while others demonstrated similar results of GPR when compared to other physical therapy interventions. Studies showed benefits of the GPR in improving the respiratory muscle strength, chest expansion, maximal respiratory pressure and in reducing pain, loss of urine in incontinent women, increasing flexibility, the electromyographic activity in temporomandibular disorders and postural stability in lower limb orthopedic alterations. Methodological limitations observed suggest the need for greater rigor in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cultura, Ciencia y Deporte is the property of Cultura, Ciencia y Deporte and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article presents a study about the effect of an active stretching program on knee flexors of older women in the U.S. The study shows that the flexibility of the knee flexors, extensor torque, and knee-flexor torque has been increased in active stretching. It also indicates that the program is effective in the functional mobility in older women.

The muscular flexibility training put in evidence a train of neurophysiological principals and an intricate amount of muscular and viscous-elastic properties. There are a lot of stretching methods, used on the clinical and sport contexts. Despite its common utilization, it isn't usual the health and educational professionals reflect about the compounds and efficacy of the diverse stretching methods. In this article, we realize a critical review about the diverse methods used on the flexibility training, as the principles and parameters related with that. We will done special emphasis to the principles of the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and the diverse local relaxation methods, like warming. We will also have in count the revealing data relating to the Elasticity Coefficient paradox, witch can help to conceive an intervention philosophy of the flexibility training different from what it have being defended and practiced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The muscular flexibility training put in evidence a train of neurophysiological principals and an intricate amount of muscular and viscous- -elastic properties. There are a lot of stretching methods, used on the clinical and sport contexts. Despite its common utilization, it isn't usual the health and educational professionals reflect about the compounds and efficacy of the diverse stretching methods. In this article, we realize a critical review about the diverse methods used on the flexibility training, as the principles and parameters related with that. We will done special emphasis to the principles of the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and the diverse local relaxation methods, like warming. We will also have in count the revealing data relating to the Elasticity Coefficient paradox, witch can help to conceive an intervention philosophy of the flexibility training different from what it have being defended and practiced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The muscular flexibility training put in evidence a train of neurophysiological principals and an intricate amount of muscular and viscous-elastic properties. There are a lot of stretching methods, used on the clinical and sport contexts. Despite its common utilization, it isn't usual the health and educational professionals reflect about the compounds and efficacy of the diverse stretching methods. In this article, we realize a critical review about the diverse methods used on the flexibility training, as the principles and parameters related with that. We will done special emphasis to the principles of the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and the diverse local relaxation methods, like warming.We will also have in count the revealing data relating to the Elasticity Coefficient paradox, witch can help to conceive an intervention philosophy of the flexibility training different from what it have being defended and practiced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]