Effect of acute static stretching on the passive mechanical properties of the Achilles tendon: a systematic review and meta-analysis. (2nd November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cini, Anelize; Sonda, Francesca Chaida; de Oliveira Borges, Mariana; Vaz, Marco Aurélio; Lima, Cláudia Silveira
• Is Part Of: International journal of therapy and rehabilitation. Volume 28:Number 11(2021)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 10
• Publication Date: 2021-11-02
• Subjects: Achilles tendon -- Muscle stretching exercises -- Stiffness; Therapeutics -- Periodicals; Medical rehabilitation -- Periodicals; 615.505
• DOI: 10.12968/ijtr.2020.0014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1741-1645

Abstract

Abstract : Background/Aims: Little is known about the effectiveness of static stretching on the tendinous structures. The aim of this study was to verify the effect of acute static stretching on the passive mechanical properties of the Achilles tendon. Methods: Databases were searched with the descriptors 'muscle stretching exercises, ' 'adult' and 'Achilles tendon' with a sample consisting of physically active young adults. Two blind reviewers performed the review. Results: A total of four studies were selected. After the meta-analysis, no significant difference was observed for range of motion (−0.73; 95% confidence interval −2.18–0.71; I 2 =0%), muscle-tendon unit (−0.02; 95% confidence interval −0.23–0.19; I 2 = 83%), muscle (−0.43; 95% confidence interval −0.92–0.06; I 2 = 0%) and tendon stiffness (3.70; 95% confidence interval 1.57–5, 83; I 2 =0%; P =0.0007) and passive torque (−1.35; 95% confidence interval −4.75–2.05; I 2 = 0%). Maximum voluntary isometric contraction showed an alteration with a longer stretching time (1215 seconds). Conclusions: Passive static stretching (60–1215 seconds) does not significantly alter the analysed variables.