The Effects of Long-term Static Stretching Intervention on Muscle

A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis

Abstract

Static stretching is widely used to improve joint range of motion, decrease stiffness, and prevent injury. Previous studies have shown that joint range of motion is improved after static stretching. However, the effects of static stretching on stiffness and muscle/tendon injuries are not clear. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effects of static stretching on muscle-tendon unit stiffness, muscle stiffness, muscle injuries, and tendon injuries. The results of our study revealed that long-term static stretching decreased muscle stiffness but did not change muscle-tendon unit stiffness. Static stretching also decreased the number of events of muscle injuries but did not change the number of tendon injuries. These results suggest that static stretching has a significant effect on muscle, and as a result, is useful in decreasing muscle stiffness and preventing muscle injuries.