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REVIEW PAPER
Efficacy of stretching in physiotherapy and sports
Michał Hadała
2,3
1
Department of Kinesitherapy and Special Methods, SHS in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
2
Fizjo-Sport, Rzeszów, Poland
3
Universidad Catolica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
Submission date: 2017-09-17
Acceptance date: 2017-12-11
Online publication date: 2018-06-27
Publication date: 2019-11-19
Corresponding author
Pol. Ann. Med. 2018;25(2):277-282
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Stretching constitutes an important element of therapeutic management in numerous disciplines, starting from neurology to motor training and orthodontic practice. Different models and approaches that apply stretching use their own terminology, and yet they are based on similar assumptions and purposes.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to establish scientific fundamentals of using different forms of stretching, and to determine areas of its effective application.
Material and methods:
Medline searches were conducted in context of stretching, hold-relax technique, athletic injury prevention and physiotherapy.
Results and discussion:
Although stretching is widely recognized as an effective method of working with muscle restrictions, there are many studies that undermine its impact on the muscle length, especially in short-term observation. Similar limitations are noted with regard to its application in patients with neurological paresis, or as an element of warm-up before sports activity.
Conclusions:
Stretching is an effective tool in working with myofascial pain syndromes; however, its actual influence on the condition of muscles and fascia remains unclear.
Stretching constitutes an important element of therapeutic management in numerous disciplines, starting from neurology to motor training and orthodontic practice. Different models and approaches that apply stretching use their own terminology, and yet they are based on similar assumptions and purposes.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to establish scientific fundamentals of using different forms of stretching, and to determine areas of its effective application.
Material and methods:
Medline searches were conducted in context of stretching, hold-relax technique, athletic injury prevention and physiotherapy.
Results and discussion:
Although stretching is widely recognized as an effective method of working with muscle restrictions, there are many studies that undermine its impact on the muscle length, especially in short-term observation. Similar limitations are noted with regard to its application in patients with neurological paresis, or as an element of warm-up before sports activity.
Conclusions:
Stretching is an effective tool in working with myofascial pain syndromes; however, its actual influence on the condition of muscles and fascia remains unclear.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None declared.
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