BModerate evidence
Physical · concept
Flexibility Training in Older Adults
Older adults gain range of motion and reduced stiffness from stretching, supporting daily function.
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Evidence suggests…
Stretching increases range of motion and reduces passive stiffness, and there is no reason to think older adults are an exception; gentle, consistent dosing is well tolerated. The caution is about who was studied rather than about the effect: the stretching literature behind this library is drawn largely from young, healthy, active and mostly male participants, so effect sizes in later life are inferred rather than measured. Flexibility work complements, but does not replace, strength and balance training in aging.
n/a, conceptual block all anywhere
flexibilityrange of motionmobilityolder adults
Common misconceptions
- Older adults are too fragile to stretch, gentle stretching is safe and beneficial.
- Stretching alone keeps older adults independent, strength and balance work are also essential.
What we won't claim
- Flexibility training replaces strength or balance training for older adults.
When to seek a professional
- Persistent joint pain or sudden loss of range of motion, refer to a physician or physical therapist.
Key sources (4), grade mix A:3 · B:1 · C:0
Every source below carries its own grade and links to the original study. This is the audit trail.
ALewis A Ingram, Grant R Tomkinson, N. d'Unienville, Bethany Gower, Sam Gleadhill, Terry Boyle, H. Bennett (2024) · Sports Medicine · 10.1007/s40279-024-02143-9
AMasatoshi Nakamura, Kosuke Takeuchi, Taizan Fukaya, Gakuto Nakao, A. Konrad, Takamasa Mizuno (2023) · Archives of gerontology and geriatrics (Print) · 10.1016/j.archger.2023.105256
AShingo Matsuo, Kosuke Takeuchi, Masatoshi Nakamura, Taizan Fukaya, Kensuke Oba, Gakuto Nakao, Takamasa Mizuno (2025) · Journal of Sports Science and Medicine · 10.52082/jssm.2025.463
BPaul Hough, E. Ross, G. Howatson (2009) · Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research · 10.1519/jsc.0b013e31818cc65d
✓Explore all 567 studies in Flexibility →
The full evidence base this focus area draws on, every study with its grade and DOI.