Effects of intermittent stretching exercises at work on musculoskeletal pain associated with the use of a personal computer and the influence of media on outcomes. Effects of a multimodal exercise program for people with ankylosing spondylitis. Stretching in the Rehabilitation of Low-Back Pain Patients Muscle stretching as an alternative relaxation training procedure. Pectoral stretching program for women undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer Effects of muscular stretching and segmental stabilization on functional disability and pain in patients with chronic low back pain: a randomized, controlled trial. Effect of resistance training with elements of stretching on body composition and quality of life in postmenopausal women Warm-up, stretching and massage diminish harmful effects of eccentric exercise. Effects of aerobic training combined with respiratory muscle stretching on the functional exercise capacity and thoracoabdominal kinematics in patients with COPD: a randomized and controlled trial Strength Inhibition Following An Acute Stretch Is Not Limited To Novice Stretchers EFFECTS OF TWELVE‐MONTH STRENGTH TRAINING SUBSEQUENT TO TWELVE‐MONTH STRETCHING EXERCISE IN TREATMENT OF CHRONIC NECK PAIN Muscle stretching exercises and resistance training in fibromyalgia: which is better? A three-arm randomized controlled trial. Acute Effects of Static Stretching, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching, and Maximum Voluntary Contractions on Explosive Force Production and Jumping Performance Comparative effects of two physical activity programs on measured and perceived physical functioning and other health-related quality of life outcomes in older adults. A prophylactic effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching on symptoms of muscle damage induced by eccentric exercise of the wrist extensors. Cross-over comparison between respiratory muscle stretch gymnastics and inspiratory muscle training. OA11.03. Mediators of the effects of yoga and stretching on chronic low back pain (cLBP) outcomes: results from the YES RCT
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of regular stretching exercises on  pain associated with working at a computer workstation , and to ascertain whether the type of media used for exercise instruction had an effect on outcomes . PARTICIPANTS Sixty-eight volunteers were divided into three equivalent groups . All of the subjects worked at computers for prolonged periods of time and reported that their pain had been a source of distress for at least three weeks prior to the intake evaluation . METHODS A pretest-posttest-control group design with cluster r and omization was used to evaluate the effect of a stretching program on pain . Thirty-six different stretches were performed by the subjects for 15 - 17 work days . Two intervention groups were directed to stretch once every six minutes . One group ( n=22 ) was reminded to stretch via a computer program , the second group ( n=23 ) by using a hard copy version of the stretches with pictures and written instructions , and a third group received no intervention . RESULTS ANOVA analysis found a significant reduction in pain of 72 % ( p < 0.001 ) for the computer-generated stretching program , and of 64 % ( p < 0.001 ) using the hardcopy version of the intervention . The control group had an increase in pain of 1 % . CONCLUSIONS Both software and hard copy stretching interventions contributed to a decrease in pain without making any changes to workstation ergonomics and there was no significant statistical difference in the outcomes of either intervention . The subjective evaluation of pain using both visual analog scales and a newly created " pain spot " assessment technique yielded similar results BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Few r and omized controlled studies have examined the effects of exercise in patients with ankylosing spondylitis ( AS ) . This study investigated the effects of a 12-week , multimodal exercise program in patients with AS . SUBJECTS A convenience sample of 30 patients with AS ( 18 male , 12 female ) , with a mean age of 34.9 years ( SD=6.28 ) , participated in the study . Twenty-six subjects were classified as having stage I AS and 4 subjects were classified as having stage II AS according to the modified New York Criteria . METHODS This study was a r and omized controlled trial . Subjects were assigned to either a group that received an exercise program or to a control group . The exercise program consisted of 50 minutes of multimodal exercise , including aerobic , stretching , and pulmonary exercises , 3 times a week for 3 months . Subjects in both groups received medical treatment for AS , but the exercise group received the exercise program in addition to the medical treatment . All subjects received a physical examination at baseline and at 12 weeks . The examinations were conducted under the supervision of a physician who specialized in physical medicine and rehabilitation and included the assessment of spinal mobility using 2 methods : clinical measurements ( chin-to-chest distance , Modified Schober Flexion Test , occiput-to-wall distance , finger-to-floor distance , and chest expansion ) and inclinometer measurements ( gross hip flexion , gross lumbar flexion , and gross thoracic flexion ) . In addition , vital capacity was measured by a physiologist , and physical work capacity was evaluated by a doctorally prepared exercise instructor . RESULTS The measurements of the exercise group for chest expansion , chin-to-chest distance , Modified Schober Flexion Test , and occiput-to-wall distance were significantly better than those of the control group after the 3-month exercise period . The spinal movements of the exercise group improved significantly at the end of exercise program , but those of the control group showed no significant change . In addition , the results showed that the posttraining value of gross thoracic flexion of the exercise group was significantly higher than that of the control group . Physical work capacity and vital capacity values improved in the exercise group but decreased in the control group . DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION In this study , a multimodal exercise program including aerobic , stretching , and pulmonary exercises provided in conjunction with routine medical management yielded greater improvements in spinal mobility , work capacity , and chest expansion The major objective of this investigation was to study the effectiveness of the physical conditioning program used at the University of Miami Comprehensive Pain and Rehabilitation Center in restoring certain elements of the functional abilities of individuals suffering from chronic low-back pain and to evaluate the effectiveness of using a systematic ally applied , aggressive stretching maneuver as an add-on therapy in the treatment of chronic low-back pain patients . The effect(s ) of the proposed stretching maneuver was evaluated . Twenty-eight chronic low-back pain patients were r and omly assigned to one of two groups . The control group underwent a multimodal rehabilitation program , and the experimental group underwent the same rehabilitation program in addition to the systematic stretching maneuver under investigation . The results obtained showed that patients undergoing the multimodal rehabilitation program with and without the proposed systematic stretching maneuver showed a significant improvement in their functional abilities as seen from the significant increase in the static strength of the back extensors , with corresponding significant increase in back muscle myoelectric signals . Also , a significant decrease in their pain level was reported after 2 weeks of continuous treatment . The use of the systematic stretching maneuver enhanced the functional gains of chronic low-back pain patients compared to the control group The purpose of this program of research was to explore the use of muscle stretching procedures in relaxation training with a clinical population . In the first controlled study , stretching exercises for four muscle groups ( obicularis occuli , sternocleidomastoid/trapezius , triceps/pectoralis major , and forearm/wrist flexors ) were prepared . A group of people using these procedures ( SR , N = 8) was compared to a group using the Bernstein and Borkovec ( 1973 ) tense-release  ( TR ; N = 8) techniques for those same muscle groups , as well as compared to an appropriate group of controls ( WL ; N = 8) . Assessment of physiological ( multi-site EMG ) and subjective ( emotions , muscle tension , and self-efficacy ) responses showed that persons in the SR displayed less sadness , less self-reported muscle tension at four sites , and less EMG activity on the r.masseter than persons in the TR group . In the second study , 15 subjects were administered an exp and ed version of the SR relaxation procedures . Results showed that all subjects reported significant decreases in self-reported levels of muscle tension ; muscle tension responders showed lowered trapezius EMG and respiration rates and cardiovascular responders showed lowered diastolic blood pressure . The results are discussed in terms of the utility of relaxation procedures based primarily on muscle stretching exercises for lowering subjective and objective states of arousal Surgery and radiotherapy commonly cause adverse musculoskeletal problems , particularly loss of strength and range of motion , in the upper quadrant of breast cancer patients . Few well- design ed studies have investigated whether these impairments can be prevented . Stretching is an effective technique for increasing range of motion , hence the aim of this study was to investigate whether a stretching program reduced acute musculoskeletal impairments in patients undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer . Sixty-four women were recruited prior to commencement of radiotherapy following breast cancer surgery . Participants were r and omised to either a control or stretch group . Participants in both groups were review ed by the physical therapist on a weekly basis for approximately 6 weeks , and were given general information about skin care and lymphedema . The control group received no advice about exercise . The stretch group received instruction on low-load , prolonged pectoral stretches , which were to be performed daily and were checked at weekly visits . Shoulder range of motion , strength , arm circumference , and quality of life measurements were taken prior to , and at completion of radiotherapy , and at 7 months after radiotherapy . There was no difference in any outcome between groups . Breast symptoms increased for both groups during radiotherapy , without loss of strength or range of movement . The incidence of lymphedema during the study was low for both groups and did not differ between groups . The pectoral stretching program did not influence the outcomes measured because the symptoms reported by patients were not a consequence of contracture OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 2 exercise programs , segmental stabilization exercises ( SSEs ) and stretching of trunk and hamstrings muscles , on functional disability , pain , and activation of the transversus abdominis muscle ( TrA ) , in individuals with chronic low back pain . METHODS A total of 30 participants were enrolled in this study and r and omly assigned to 1 of 2 groups as a function of intervention . In the segmental stabilization group ( SS ) , exercises focused on the TrA and lumbar multifidus muscles , whereas in the stretching group ( ST ) , exercises focused on stretching the erector spinae , hamstrings , and triceps surae . Severity of pain ( visual analog scale and McGill pain question naire ) and functional disability ( Oswestry disability question naire ) and TrA muscle activation capacity ( Pressure Biofeedback Unit , or PBU ) were compared as a function of intervention . Interventions lasted 6 weeks , and sessions happened twice a week ( 30 minutes each ) . Analysis of variance was used for intergroup and intragroup comparisons . RESULTS As compared with baseline , both treatments were effective in relieving pain and improving disability ( P < .001 ) . Those in the SS group had significantly higher gains for all variables . The stretching group did not effectively activate the TrA ( P = .94 ) . CONCLUSION Both techniques improved pain and reduced disability . In this study , SS was superior to muscular stretching for the measured variables associated with chronic low back pain Introduction Physical activity in elderly persons contributes to prevention and treatment of chronic disease and , through its influence on the musculoskeletal system , increases physical capability and improves mental function . Aim of the study Aim of the study was to assess the effect of resistance training with elements of stretching on body composition and quality of life in women of postmenopausal age . Material and methods Thirty-eight postmenopausal women aged 62.5 ±5.8 years were r and omly divided into two groups . One group participated in an 8-week training program ( 60 minutes , twice weekly ; 4 MET [ metabolic equivalent ] 2 hours/week ) . The second group performed no training . A comparison was made of body composition and quality of life ( SF-36 Health Survey ) prior to and after 8 weeks of training . Results In the training group , after 8 weeks there was a significant reduction in body fat ( in% ; p = 0.028 ) , and an increase in fat-free mass ( in% ; p = 0.025 ) and total body water ( in% ; p = 0.021 ) , which indicates increased muscle mass . Furthermore , there were statistically significant differences in the assessment of quality of life in physical ( role-physical [ RP ] , bodily pain [ BP ] , general health [ GH ] scales ; p < 0.005 ) and mental health ( vitality [ VT ] scale ; p = 0.05 ) . In the non-exercising group no changes were observed in features examined in the initial and final test . Conclusions Resistance training with elements of stretching in postmenopausal women  improved body composition to achieve a reduction in risk factors associated with excess fatty tissue and muscle mass deficiency . It raises the quality of life in terms of both physical and mental function The effect of a combination of a warm-up , stretching exercises and massage on subjective scores for  delayed onset muscle soreness ( DOMS )  and objective functional and biochemical measures was studied . Fifty people , r and omly divided in a treatment and a control group , performed eccentric exercise with the forearm flexors for 30 min . The treatment group additionally performed a warm-up and underwent a stretching protocol before the eccentric exercise and massage afterwards .  Functional and biochemical measures were obtained before , and 1 , 24 , 48 , 72 and 96h after exercise . The median values at the five post-exercise time points differed significantly for DOMS measured when the arm was extended ( p = 0.043 ) . Significant main effects for treatment were found on the maximal force ( p = 0.026 ) , the flexion angle of the elbow ( p = 0.014 ) and the creatine kinase activity in blood ( p = 0.006 ) . No time-by-treatment interactions were found . DOMS on pressure , extension angle and myoglobin concentration in blood did not differ between the groups . This combination of a warm-up , stretching and massage reduces some negative effects of eccentric exercise , but the results are inconsistent , since some parameters were significantly affected by the treatment whereas others were not , despite the expected efficacy of a combination of treatments . The objective measures did not yield more unequivocal results than the subjective DOMS scores Background Patients with COPD present a major recruitment of the inspiratory muscles , predisposing to chest incoordination , increasing the degree of dyspnea and impairing their exercise capacity . Stretching techniques could decrease the respiratory muscle activity and improve their contractile capacity ; however , the systemic effects of stretching remain unknown . Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aerobic training combined with respiratory muscle stretching on functional exercise capacity and thoracoabdominal kinematics in patients with COPD . Design This study was a r and omized and controlled trial . Participants A total of 30 patients were allocated to a treatment group ( TG ) or a control group ( CG ; n=15 , each group ) . Intervention The TG was engaged in respiratory muscle stretching and the CG in upper and lower limb muscle stretching . Both groups performed 24 sessions ( twice a week , 12 weeks ) of aerobic training . Evaluations Functional exercise capacity ( 6-minute walk test ) , thoracoabdominal kinematics ( optoelectronic plethysmography ) , and respiratory muscle activity ( surface electromyography ) were evaluated during exercise . Analysis of covariance was used to compare the groups at a significance level of 5 % . Results After the intervention , the TG showed improved abdominal ( ABD ) contribution , compartmental volume , mobility , and functional exercise capacity with decreased dyspnea when compared with the CG ( P<0.01 ) . The TG also showed a decreased respiratory muscle effort required to obtain the same pulmonary volume compared to the CG ( P<0.001 ) . Conclusion Our results suggest that aerobic training combined with respiratory muscle stretching increases the functional exercise capacity with decreased dyspnea in patients with COPD . These effects are associated with an increased efficacy of the respiratory muscles and participation of the ABD compartment Flexibility ( joint range of motion ) is promoted as an important component of physical fitness ( Pollock et al. , 1998 ) . It is widely conjectured that increasing flexibility will promote better performances and reduce the incidence of injury ( Shellock & Prentice , 1985 ; Smith , 1994 ) . Consequently , stretching exercises design ed to enhance flexibility are regularly included in many athletes ’ training programs and pre-event warm-up activities ( Gleim & McHugh , 1997 ; Holcomb , 2000 ) . Notwithst and ing the widespread acceptance and use of stretching exercises as a major component of pre-event activities , the purported benefits of stretching on performance and injury prevention have been question ed in several review papers ( Gleim & McHugh , 1997 ; Herbert & Gabriel , 2002 ; Knudson , 1999 ; Weldon & Hill , 2003 . ) . In addition , recent research has established an adverse effect of acute static stretching  on various different maximal performances . Pre-event stretching has demonstrated an inhibitory effect on maximal force or torque production ( Avela , Kyrolainen , & Komi , 1999 ; Behm , Button , & Butt ; 2001 ; Evetovich , Nauman , Conley , & Todd , 2003 ; Fowles , Sale , & MacDougall , 2000 ; Kokkonen , Nelson , & Cornwell , 1998 ; Nelson , Allen , Cornwell , & Kokkonen , 2001 ; Nelson , Guillory , Cornwell , & Kokkonen , 2001 ; Nelson & Kokkonen , 2001 ) , vertical jump performance ( Church , Wiggins , Moode , & Crist , 2001 ; Cornwell , Nelson , Heise , & Sidaway , 2001 ; McNeal & S and s , 2003 ; Young & Behm , 2003 ; Young & Elliott , 2001 ) , and running speed ( Nelson , Driscoll , L and in , Young , & Schexnayder , 2005 ; Siatras , Papadopoulos , Mameletzi , Gerodimos , Kellis , 2003 ) . This paradox between accepted dogma and current research places a difficult decision on coaches and athletes . Do they include flexibility exercises in their preevent activities and risk the loss of maximal performance , or do they drop the flexibility exercises and increase the risk of injury ? To help answer this question , it would be helpful to know if high flexibility has a different influence on force production . Unfortunately , little information is available about individuals ’ degree of flexibility in the aforementioned studies . Four of the studies ( Church et al. , 2001 ; McNeal & S and s , 2003 ; Nelson et al. , 2005 ; Siatras et al. , 2003 ) made measurements on competitive athletes . While it is reasonable to assume that competitive athletes perform stretching exercises as part of their training regimen , one can not be positive that these stretching exercises will routinely yield high flexibility . Moreover , two of the studies ( McNeal & S and s , 2003 ; Siatras et al. , 2003 ) used children whose mean ages were less than 13 years , thus , increasing rather than decreasing the number of possible confounding factors . In addition , the studies reporting the initial flexibility of the individuals tested ( Kokkonen et al. , 1998 ; Nelson & Kokkonen , 2001 ) reported sit- and -reach scores below the 50th percentile of the published norms ( for norms , see Hoegar & Hoegar , 1990 ) . Thus , it is possible that the negative impact of stretching is present primarily in individuals who do not regularly engage in  stretching  activities and /or whose sit- and -reach scores are below the recommended normal percentile ( i.e. , < 60th percentile for the sit- and -reach ) . Strength Inhibition Following An Acute Stretch Is Not Limited To Novice Previously , in a r and omized study , we showed that women with chronic neck pain were able to perform intensive training for neck and shoulder muscles and that the increase in strength was accompanied by a reduction in pain and disability . The changes were significantly greater in the training groups compared with controls . The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the controls would achieve similar results . Thus , 59 women in the control group initiated high-intensity strength training .  Maximal isometric neck strength increased by 44 % in both flexion and rotation and 27 % in extension at the 2-year follow-up . Statistically and also clinical ly significant decreases in neck pain and disability indices occurred . Stretching and aerobic exercising during the first follow-up year produced only minor changes in both subjective and functional measures . Adding progressive strength training for the second year led to a significant improvement in neck strength and also to a considerable decrease in the pain and disability scores . Thus , to achieve effective rehabilitation in cases of chronic neck pain , a combination of strength training and stretching exercises are recommended BACKGROUND Exercise therapy is an effective component of fibromyalgia ( FM ) treatment . However , it is important to know the effects and specificities of the different types of exercise : muscle stretching and resistance training . AIM To verify and compare the effectiveness of muscle stretching exercise and resistance training for symptoms and quality of life in FM patients . DESIGN R and omized controlled trial . SETTING Physical therapy service , FM outpatient clinic . POPULATION Forty-four women with FM ( 79 screened ) . METHODS Patients were r and omly allocated into a stretching group ( N.=14 ) , resistance group ( N.=16 ) , and control group ( N.=14 ) . Pain was assessed using the visual analog scale , pain threshold using a Fischer dolorimeter , FM symptoms using the Fibromyalgia Impact Question naire ( FIQ ) , and quality of life using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey ( SF-36 ) . The three intervention groups continued with usual medical treatment . In addition , the stretching and resistance groups performed two different exercise programs twice a week for 12 weeks . RESULTS After treatment , the stretching group showed the highest SF-36 physical functioning score ( P=0.01 ) and the lowest bodily pain score ( P=0.01 ) . The resistance group had the lowest FIQ depression score ( P=0.02 ) . The control group had the highest score for FIQ morning tiredness and stiffness , and the lowest score for SF-36 vitality . In clinical analyses , the stretching group had significant improvement in quality of life for all SF-36 domains , and the resistance group had significant improvement in FM symptoms and in quality of life for SF-36 domains of physical functioning , vitality , social function , emotional role , and mental health . CONCLUSIONS Muscle stretching exercise was the most effective modality in improving quality of life , especially with regard to physical functioning and pain , and resistance training was the most effective modality in reducing depression . CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT The trial included a control group and two intervention groups , both of which received exercise programs created specifically for patients with FM . In clinical practice , we suggest including both modalities in an exercise therapy program for FM Warm-up prior to physical activity is a well accepted practice believed to reduce the risk of injury and enhance performance ( McArdle , Katch , & Katch , 1991 ; Safran , Seaber , & Garrett , 1989 ) . Various stretching techniques are commonly included in a warm-up to reduce muscle stiffness and increase the range of motion ( ROM ) at joints . Stanley and McNair ( 1996 ) compared the effects of running , static stretching , and combined running and stretching on muscle stiffness and ROM . While the combination of running and stretching were most effective for increasing ankle ROM , stretching added nothing to running to decrease musculotendinous ( MTEN ) stiffness . Although stretching is generally effective for inducing acute and chronic changes in ROM ( Alter : 1996 ; Wienmann & Hahn 1997;Wiktorsson-Moller , Oberg , Ekstr and , & Gillquist , 1983 ) , its effects on MTEN stiffness and the optimum stiffness for physicalperformance are not so clear ( WIlson,1991 ) . Eight weeks ofstatic stretching training of the pectoral muscle group has been shown to result in a 7.2 % decrease in MTEN stiffness , as measured by an oscillation technique ( Wilson , Elliott , & Wood , 1992 ) . This was accompanied by a significant increase in bench press performance when this exercise was performed using BACKGROUND Although inactivity is an important contributor to impaired functioning and disability with age , little is known concerning how improvements in physical functioning and well-being in older adults vary with the type of physical activity undertaken . METHODS One hundred three adults age 65 years and older , recruited via population -based methods , were r and omized to 12 months of community-based , moderate-intensity endurance and strengthening exercises ( Fit & Firm ) or stretching and flexibility exercises ( Stretch & Flex ) . A combination of class- and home-based exercise formats was used . Measured and self-rated physical performance along with perceived functioning and well-being were assessed pre- and postintervention . RESULTS Fit & Firm subjects showed greater 12-month improvements in both measured and self-rated endurance and strength compared to Stretch & Flex subjects . Stretch & Flex subjects reported greater improvements in bodily pain , and Stretch & Flex men evidence d greater improvements in flexibility relative to Fit & Firm subjects . Although overall exercise adherence was high in both exercise conditions ( approximately 80 % ) , subjects in both conditions showed better adherence to the home- versus class-based portions of their exercise prescriptions . CONCLUSIONS Community-based programs focusing on moderate-intensity endurance and strengthening exercises or flexibility exercises can be delivered through a combination of formats that result in improvement in important functional and well-being outcomes . This represents one of the first studies to report significant improvements in an important quality of life outcome -bodily pain-with a regular regimen of stretching and flexibility exercises in a community-based sample of older adults Stretching with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation ( PNF ) is frequently used before exercise . The prophylactic effect of PNF on symptoms of muscle damage induced by eccentric exercise of the wrist extensors was examined in this study . Twenty-eight healthy males were r and omly divided into the  PNF group ( n = 14 ) and the control group ( n = 14 ) .  PNF was used before eccentric exercise induction in the wrist extensors . All subjects were tested to examine muscle damage characteristics including sensory-motor functions at baseline , immediately , and from 1st to 8th days after the exercise-induced muscle damage ( EIMD ) . The results demonstrated that the PNF group showed a lesser deficit in some sensory-motor functions ( p < 0.05 ) than the control group . The prior PNF stretching application could be useful for attenuating the signs and symptoms of muscle damage after eccentric exercise OBJECTIVES To compare the effect of respiratory muscle stretch gymnastics ( RMSG ) , proposed as a possible additional form of rehabilitation for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) , with that of inspiratory muscle training ( IMT ) . PATIENTS Twelve naive out patients with COPD at a university hospital . METHOD The patients performed IMT ( 2 sessions of 10 minutes of training at 30 % of PImax , daily ) for 4 weeks and RMSG ( 3 sessions of 5 RMSG patterns 4 times each , daily ) for 4 weeks , in r and omized order , with a 4-week washout period between the two interventions . MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS PImax increased with IMT ( mean 66.1 to 79.1 cmH2O ) , but not with RMSG ( mean 66.0 to 69.4 cmH2O ) . RMSG and IMT similarly increased maximum chest wall expansion . FRC was significantly decreased by 158 ml with RMSG , but not with IMT . There were no significant changes in VC , FEV1 , or PEF nor in arterial blood gases with either form of rehabilitation . Six-minute walking distance was more significantly increased with RMSG ( mean 383 to 430 m ) , than with IMT ( mean 386 to 412 m ) . CONCLUSIONS RMSG may have clinical ly significant benefits , which may be somewhat different from the benefits of IMT , in patients with COPD Methods 228 persons with non-specific cLBP recruited from primary care and the general community were r and omized to 12 weekly 75-minute classes of either yoga or intensive stretching , or to a self-care book .  Back-related function ( Rol and -Morris Disability Scale ) , symptoms ( 0 - 10 score ) and psychological mediators ( fear avoidance , body awareness , self-efficacy , psychological distress , perceived stress , positive affect ) were assessed at baseline and 6 , 12 , and 26 weeks later by blinded interviewers . Physical function was assessed at baseline and 12 weeks and saliva sample s were collected for cortisol and DHEA analyses at baseline , 6 and 12 weeks . Open-ended questions were asked about benefits of yoga and stretching . Statistical analyses for mediators were conducted using the framework of Baron and Kenney
RESULTS The physiological effects of stretches may contribute to reducing discomfort and pain .
However , if other measures are not in place to remediate their causes , stretches may suppress awareness of risks , result ing in more debilitating injuries .
If inadequately performed , stretches may also cause or aggravate injuries .
The studies provided mixed findings , but demonstrated some beneficial effect of stretching in preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders .
OBJECTIVE This article review ed the literature to clarify the physiological effects and benefits of , and misconceptions about , stretches used to reduce musculoskeletal disorders .