10 sources: 4 meta-analyses, 3 randomised controlled trials, 3 systematic reviews
Physical · Overview
Flexibility & Mobility: What the Sources Studied
Stretching and joint range of motion, in single sessions and over weeks, across joints and muscle groups: what the reviews and trials on this entry measured. The sources' conclusions are not yet recorded in this library, so this entry states no effect.
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Before you start
None, informational content.
When to seek a professional
- Persistent joint pain or sudden loss of range of motion, refer to a physician or physical therapist.
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What the evidence says
What the sources say
The sources on this entry studied stretching and joint range of motion, in single sessions and over training periods, across joints and muscle groups. Seven are syntheses: Behm 2023 (systematic review and meta-analysis, 47 studies, 1658 participants), Decoster 2005 (systematic review, 28 studies, 1338 participants), Thomas 2018 (systematic review), Medeiros 2018 (systematic review and meta-analysis, 20 studies, 659 participants), Radford 2006 (systematic review, 5 studies, 161 participants), Konrad 2023 (meta-analysis) and Medeiros 2016 (meta-analysis). Three are randomised trials: Fukaya 2020, Nakamura 2021 and Kataura 2017. The sources' conclusions are not yet recorded in this library, so this entry states no effect of flexibility training on range of motion and no other effect.
What we won't claim
- Stretching protects against all injuries.
- Flexibility training cures chronic pain.
- More flexibility always means better performance.
- Being flexible is inherently healthier for everyone.
10 sources: 4 meta-analyses, 3 randomised controlled trials, 3 systematic reviews
- Agreement
- Direction recorded for 0 of 10 sources; not yet recorded for the rest.
- The claim's outcome
- Outcome not yet recorded
- Certainty
- No source states a certainty rating.
- Authors
- Sources share authors: D. Medeiros (first author of 2 sources).
What each source measured and concluded (10)
meta-analysis · 2023
Behm et al. (2023) — Acute Effects of Various Stretching Techniques on Range of Motion: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
- How it was read
- read in full text
- What the review says it includes
- meta-analysis, systematic review
- Studies and participants, as stated
- N = 1658 participants across 47 studies
systematic review · 2005
Decoster et al. (2005) — The effects of hamstring stretching on range of motion: a systematic literature review.
- How it was read
- read in full text
- What the review says it includes
- Systematic review
- Studies and participants, as stated
- N = 1338 participants across 28 studies
systematic review · 2018
Thomas et al. (2018) — The Relation Between Stretching Typology and Stretching Duration: The Effects on Range of Motion
- How it was read
- read in full text
meta-analysis · 2018
Medeiros et al. (2018) — Chronic effect of different types of stretching on ankle dorsiflexion range of motion: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
- How it was read
- read in full text
- What the review says it includes
- systematic review and meta-analysis
- Studies and participants, as stated
- N = 659 participants across 20 studies
randomised controlled trial · 2020
Fukaya et al. (2020) — Effects of Static Stretching With High-Intensity and Short-Duration or Low-Intensity and Long-Duration on Range of Motion and Muscle Stiffness
- How it was read
- read in full text
randomised controlled trial · 2021
Nakamura et al. (2021) — The Comparison of Different Stretching Intensities on the Range of Motion and Muscle Stiffness of the Quadriceps Muscles
- How it was read
- read in full text
randomised controlled trial · 2017
Kataura et al. (2017) — Acute Effects of the Different Intensity of Static Stretching on Flexibility and Isometric Muscle Force
- How it was read
- read in full text
systematic review · 2006
Radford et al. (2006) — Does stretching increase ankle dorsiflexion range of motion? A systematic review
- How it was read
- read in full text
- What the review says it includes
- systematic review
- Studies and participants, as stated
- N = 161 participants across 5 studies
meta-analysis · 2023
Konrad et al. (2023) — Chronic effects of stretching on range of motion with consideration of potential moderating variables: A systematic review with meta-analysis
- How it was read
- read in full text
meta-analysis · 2016
Medeiros et al. (2016) — Influence of static stretching on hamstring flexibility in healthy young adults: Systematic review and meta-analysis
- How it was read
- read in full text
Key sources (10)
Every source below is shown with its study design and links to the original study. This is the audit trail.
meta-analysisAcute Effects of Various Stretching Techniques on Range of Motion: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
systematic reviewThe effects of hamstring stretching on range of motion: a systematic literature review.
systematic reviewThe Relation Between Stretching Typology and Stretching Duration: The Effects on Range of Motion
meta-analysisChronic effect of different types of stretching on ankle dorsiflexion range of motion: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
randomised controlled trialEffects of Static Stretching With High-Intensity and Short-Duration or Low-Intensity and Long-Duration on Range of Motion and Muscle Stiffness
randomised controlled trialThe Comparison of Different Stretching Intensities on the Range of Motion and Muscle Stiffness of the Quadriceps Muscles
randomised controlled trialAcute Effects of the Different Intensity of Static Stretching on Flexibility and Isometric Muscle Force
systematic reviewDoes stretching increase ankle dorsiflexion range of motion? A systematic review
meta-analysisChronic effects of stretching on range of motion with consideration of potential moderating variables: A systematic review with meta-analysis
meta-analysisInfluence of static stretching on hamstring flexibility in healthy young adults: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Explore all 567 studies in Flexibility →
The full evidence base this focus area draws on, every study with its design and DOI.What it is for
Lower my risk of injuryMove more freelyPrepare my body before trainingRecover better between efforts