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10 sources: 4 meta-analyses, 3 randomised controlled trials, 3 systematic reviews
Physical · Concept

Static Stretching and Range of Motion: What the Reviews Measured

Meta-analyses, systematic reviews and trials of static stretching and joint range of motion, in single sessions and over weeks, across hamstrings, ankle dorsiflexion and other muscle groups. The sources' conclusions are not yet recorded in this library, so this entry states no effect.

Beginner-friendlyHome or gym
Before you start

Avoid stretching into sharp pain; ease off if hypermobile.

When to seek a professional
  • Sharp or radiating pain during stretching, stop and consult a clinician.
  • Sudden loss of range of motion or joint instability, seek a physical therapist.
  • Numbness, tingling, or a recent injury, get medical clearance first.
Conceptual; what the review summary this entry was written from reports is applied through the linked practices.
none (optional mat, strap)For most adultsNew to thisOlder adultsDesk workers
What the evidence says
What the sources say

The sources on this entry studied static stretching and joint range of motion, in single sessions and over training periods, across joints and muscle groups. Behm 2023 is a systematic review and meta-analysis of 47 studies and 1658 participants on acute stretching techniques and range of motion. Medeiros 2016 (meta-analysis) and Decoster 2005 (systematic review, 28 studies, 1338 participants) cover hamstring flexibility; Medeiros 2018 (systematic review and meta-analysis, 20 studies, 659 participants) and Radford 2006 (systematic review, 5 studies, 161 participants) cover ankle dorsiflexion; Konrad 2023 is a meta-analysis with meta-regression on chronic effects and their moderators; Thomas 2018 is a systematic review of stretching type, duration and range of motion. Three randomised trials compared stretch durations and intensities: Nakamura 2021, Fukaya 2020 and Kataura 2017. The sources' conclusions are not yet recorded in this library, so this entry states no effect of static stretching on range of motion, acute or chronic.

What we won't claim
  • This routine protects against injury.
  • This routine cures back or joint pain.
  • A single short session equals the full weekly evidence dose.
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); A. Konrad (senior 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
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
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
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
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
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
randomised controlled trial · 2021
Nakamura et al. (2021) — Comparison Between High- and Low-Intensity Static Stretching Training Program on Active and Passive Properties of Plantar Flexors
How it was read
read in full text
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 · 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
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-AnalysisD. Behm, S. Alizadeh, A. Daneshjoo et al. (2023) · Sports Medicine - Open · 10.1186/s40798-023-00652-x · full text
meta-analysisInfluence of static stretching on hamstring flexibility in healthy young adults: Systematic review and meta-analysisD. M. Medeiros, Anelize Cini, G. Sbruzzi, C. Lima (2016) · Physiotherapy Theory and Practice · 10.1080/09593985.2016.1204401 · full text
systematic reviewThe effects of hamstring stretching on range of motion: a systematic literature review.L. Decoster, J. Cleland, C. Altieri, P. Russell (2005) · Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy · 10.2519/jospt.2005.35.6.377 · full text
meta-analysisChronic effect of different types of stretching on ankle dorsiflexion range of motion: Systematic review and meta-analysis.D. M. Medeiros, Tamara Fenner Martini (2018) · The Foot · 10.1016/j.foot.2017.09.006 · full text
systematic reviewDoes stretching increase ankle dorsiflexion range of motion? A systematic reviewJoel A Radford, J. Burns, R. Buchbinder, K. Landorf, Catherine Cook (2006) · British Journal of Sports Medicine · 10.1136/bjsm.2006.029348 · full text
meta-analysisChronic effects of stretching on range of motion with consideration of potential moderating variables: A systematic review with meta-analysisA. Konrad, S. Alizadeh, A. Daneshjoo et al. (2023) · Journal of Sport and Health Science · 10.1016/j.jshs.2023.06.002 · full text
systematic reviewThe Relation Between Stretching Typology and Stretching Duration: The Effects on Range of MotionE. Thomas, A. Bianco, A. Paoli, A. Palma (2018) · International Journal of Sports Medicine · 10.1055/s-0044-101146 · full text
randomised controlled trialComparison Between High- and Low-Intensity Static Stretching Training Program on Active and Passive Properties of Plantar FlexorsM. Nakamura, Riku Yoshida, Shigeru Sato et al. (2021) · Frontiers in Physiology · 10.3389/fphys.2021.796497 · full text
randomised controlled trialEffects of Static Stretching With High-Intensity and Short-Duration or Low-Intensity and Long-Duration on Range of Motion and Muscle StiffnessTaizan Fukaya, R. Kiyono, Shigeru Sato et al. (2020) · Frontiers in Physiology · 10.3389/fphys.2020.601912 · full text
randomised controlled trialAcute Effects of the Different Intensity of Static Stretching on Flexibility and Isometric Muscle ForceS. Kataura, Shigeyuki Suzuki, Shingo Matsuo et al. (2017) · Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research · 10.1519/jsc.0000000000001752 · full text
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
Move more freely
Static Stretching and Range of Motion: What the Reviews Measured