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

Flexibility · 12 min slot · 3–4x per week

Upper-Body & Posture Mobility

Combines static chest/shoulder holds with active thoracic mobility. Think 'move better and feel less stiff,' not a fix that permanently changes posture.

How often: 2–7 sessions/week · trial frequency reported by the sources of the review summary this routine was written from (5 of 10 sources named by SR07.1 state one) · planning default: 3–4x per week · the review report’s bottom line: 2–5 sessions/week (chronic ROM gains, across included studies)

When: any time · the sources state no time of day; the planner's slot is a default

The time slot is a planning choice: a swap can keep it.

The evidence applies to the practice, not to these particular steps — they are one way to carry it out.

1
Doorway Chest / Pec Stretch
hold 30s x 2
Vary elbow height across sets.
Slot: joint-specific ROM
Named by a Round-2 reviewMeets the finding's doseObserved in 6 papers · 2–30 setsObserved in 3 papers · 5–30 min
8 options for this requirement
These are the practices the completed Round-2 reviews name for joint-specific ROM. The evidence rating on this routine belongs to the practice and its dose, not to any one of these. Choosing one changes what you read on this page only — it is not saved on any session in your week, and it never changes what the routine prescribes. To keep a choice, make it on the session itself in My Week.
Ballistic stretching
Compared in the review
3 papers put it in this slot · dose unit not stated
Evidence and how-to
Dynamic stretching
Compared in the review
18 papers put it in this slot · dose in sets × time
Evidence and how-to
Dynamic warm-up
Compared in the review
2 papers put it in this slot · dose in duration
Cannot be used here: This step's dose is measured in sets × time and this option's in duration. Converting between them is not something the research says, so the swap is refused rather than converted.
Evidence and how-to
Foam rolling
Compared in the review
7 papers put it in this slot · dose in duration
Cannot be used here: This step's dose is measured in sets × time and this option's in duration. Converting between them is not something the research says, so the swap is refused rather than converted.
Evidence and how-to
PNF stretching
Compared in the review
7 papers put it in this slot · dose in duration
Cannot be used here: This step's dose is measured in sets × time and this option's in duration. Converting between them is not something the research says, so the swap is refused rather than converted.
Evidence and how-to
Static stretching
Compared in the review
36 papers put it in this slot · dose in duration
Cannot be used here: This step's dose is measured in sets × time and this option's in duration. Converting between them is not something the research says, so the swap is refused rather than converted.
Evidence and how-to
Vibration-assisted
Compared in the review
2 papers put it in this slot · dose unit not stated
Evidence and how-to
Wall-assisted
Compared in the review
1 paper put it in this slot · dose in duration
Cannot be used here: This step's dose is measured in sets × time and this option's in duration. Converting between them is not something the research says, so the swap is refused rather than converted.
Evidence and how-to
2
Cross-Body Shoulder Stretch
hold 30s x 2 per side
Pull below the elbow.
Slot: joint-specific ROM
Named by a Round-2 reviewMeets the finding's doseObserved in 6 papers · 2–30 setsObserved in 3 papers · 5–30 min
8 options for this requirement
These are the practices the completed Round-2 reviews name for joint-specific ROM. The evidence rating on this routine belongs to the practice and its dose, not to any one of these. Choosing one changes what you read on this page only — it is not saved on any session in your week, and it never changes what the routine prescribes. To keep a choice, make it on the session itself in My Week.
Ballistic stretching
Compared in the review
3 papers put it in this slot · dose unit not stated
Evidence and how-to
Dynamic stretching
Compared in the review
18 papers put it in this slot · dose in sets × time
Evidence and how-to
Dynamic warm-up
Compared in the review
2 papers put it in this slot · dose in duration
Cannot be used here: This step's dose is measured in sets × time and this option's in duration. Converting between them is not something the research says, so the swap is refused rather than converted.
Evidence and how-to
Foam rolling
Compared in the review
7 papers put it in this slot · dose in duration
Cannot be used here: This step's dose is measured in sets × time and this option's in duration. Converting between them is not something the research says, so the swap is refused rather than converted.
Evidence and how-to
PNF stretching
Compared in the review
7 papers put it in this slot · dose in duration
Cannot be used here: This step's dose is measured in sets × time and this option's in duration. Converting between them is not something the research says, so the swap is refused rather than converted.
Evidence and how-to
Static stretching
Compared in the review
36 papers put it in this slot · dose in duration
Cannot be used here: This step's dose is measured in sets × time and this option's in duration. Converting between them is not something the research says, so the swap is refused rather than converted.
Evidence and how-to
Vibration-assisted
Compared in the review
2 papers put it in this slot · dose unit not stated
Evidence and how-to
Wall-assisted
Compared in the review
1 paper put it in this slot · dose in duration
Cannot be used here: This step's dose is measured in sets × time and this option's in duration. Converting between them is not something the research says, so the swap is refused rather than converted.
Evidence and how-to
3
Overhead Triceps Stretch
hold 30s x 2 per side
Gentle elbow pressure.
Slot: joint-specific ROM
Named by a Round-2 reviewMeets the finding's doseObserved in 6 papers · 2–30 setsObserved in 3 papers · 5–30 min
8 options for this requirement
These are the practices the completed Round-2 reviews name for joint-specific ROM. The evidence rating on this routine belongs to the practice and its dose, not to any one of these. Choosing one changes what you read on this page only — it is not saved on any session in your week, and it never changes what the routine prescribes. To keep a choice, make it on the session itself in My Week.
Ballistic stretching
Compared in the review
3 papers put it in this slot · dose unit not stated
Evidence and how-to
Dynamic stretching
Compared in the review
18 papers put it in this slot · dose in sets × time
Evidence and how-to
Dynamic warm-up
Compared in the review
2 papers put it in this slot · dose in duration
Cannot be used here: This step's dose is measured in sets × time and this option's in duration. Converting between them is not something the research says, so the swap is refused rather than converted.
Evidence and how-to
Foam rolling
Compared in the review
7 papers put it in this slot · dose in duration
Cannot be used here: This step's dose is measured in sets × time and this option's in duration. Converting between them is not something the research says, so the swap is refused rather than converted.
Evidence and how-to
PNF stretching
Compared in the review
7 papers put it in this slot · dose in duration
Cannot be used here: This step's dose is measured in sets × time and this option's in duration. Converting between them is not something the research says, so the swap is refused rather than converted.
Evidence and how-to
Static stretching
Compared in the review
36 papers put it in this slot · dose in duration
Cannot be used here: This step's dose is measured in sets × time and this option's in duration. Converting between them is not something the research says, so the swap is refused rather than converted.
Evidence and how-to
Vibration-assisted
Compared in the review
2 papers put it in this slot · dose unit not stated
Evidence and how-to
Wall-assisted
Compared in the review
1 paper put it in this slot · dose in duration
Cannot be used here: This step's dose is measured in sets × time and this option's in duration. Converting between them is not something the research says, so the swap is refused rather than converted.
Evidence and how-to
4
Side-Lying Open Book (T-Spine Rotation)
6–8 per side
Rotate from the spine, knees stacked.
Slot: joint-specific ROM
Scaffold: app-designed stepApp-designed prescriptionthe finding states duration, which this step does not carry; the finding states sets, which this step does not carry; the finding states no reps for this.
8 options for this requirement
These are the practices the completed Round-2 reviews name for joint-specific ROM. The evidence rating on this routine belongs to the practice and its dose, not to any one of these. Choosing one changes what you read on this page only — it is not saved on any session in your week, and it never changes what the routine prescribes. To keep a choice, make it on the session itself in My Week.
Ballistic stretching
Compared in the review
3 papers put it in this slot · dose unit not stated
Evidence and how-to
Dynamic stretching
Compared in the review
18 papers put it in this slot · dose in sets × time
Cannot be used here: This step's dose is measured in repetitions and this option's in sets × time. Converting between them is not something the research says, so the swap is refused rather than converted.
Evidence and how-to
Dynamic warm-up
Compared in the review
2 papers put it in this slot · dose in duration
Cannot be used here: This step's dose is measured in repetitions and this option's in duration. Converting between them is not something the research says, so the swap is refused rather than converted.
Evidence and how-to
Foam rolling
Compared in the review
7 papers put it in this slot · dose in duration
Cannot be used here: This step's dose is measured in repetitions and this option's in duration. Converting between them is not something the research says, so the swap is refused rather than converted.
Evidence and how-to
PNF stretching
Compared in the review
7 papers put it in this slot · dose in duration
Cannot be used here: This step's dose is measured in repetitions and this option's in duration. Converting between them is not something the research says, so the swap is refused rather than converted.
Evidence and how-to
Static stretching
Compared in the review
36 papers put it in this slot · dose in duration
Cannot be used here: This step's dose is measured in repetitions and this option's in duration. Converting between them is not something the research says, so the swap is refused rather than converted.
Evidence and how-to
Vibration-assisted
Compared in the review
2 papers put it in this slot · dose unit not stated
Evidence and how-to
Wall-assisted
Compared in the review
1 paper put it in this slot · dose in duration
Cannot be used here: This step's dose is measured in repetitions and this option's in duration. Converting between them is not something the research says, so the swap is refused rather than converted.
Evidence and how-to
5
Shoulder Pass-Throughs (Strap / Dowel)
6–10 slow reps
Wide grip, no forcing behind.
Slot: joint-specific ROM
Scaffold: app-designed stepApp-designed prescriptionthe finding states duration, which this step does not carry; the finding states sets, which this step does not carry; the finding states no count for this.
8 options for this requirement
These are the practices the completed Round-2 reviews name for joint-specific ROM. The evidence rating on this routine belongs to the practice and its dose, not to any one of these. Choosing one changes what you read on this page only — it is not saved on any session in your week, and it never changes what the routine prescribes. To keep a choice, make it on the session itself in My Week.
Ballistic stretching
Compared in the review
3 papers put it in this slot · dose unit not stated
Evidence and how-to
Dynamic stretching
Compared in the review
18 papers put it in this slot · dose in sets × time
Cannot be used here: This step's dose is measured in repetitions and this option's in sets × time. Converting between them is not something the research says, so the swap is refused rather than converted.
Evidence and how-to
Dynamic warm-up
Compared in the review
2 papers put it in this slot · dose in duration
Cannot be used here: This step's dose is measured in repetitions and this option's in duration. Converting between them is not something the research says, so the swap is refused rather than converted.
Evidence and how-to
Foam rolling
Compared in the review
7 papers put it in this slot · dose in duration
Cannot be used here: This step's dose is measured in repetitions and this option's in duration. Converting between them is not something the research says, so the swap is refused rather than converted.
Evidence and how-to
PNF stretching
Compared in the review
7 papers put it in this slot · dose in duration
Cannot be used here: This step's dose is measured in repetitions and this option's in duration. Converting between them is not something the research says, so the swap is refused rather than converted.
Evidence and how-to
Static stretching
Compared in the review
36 papers put it in this slot · dose in duration
Cannot be used here: This step's dose is measured in repetitions and this option's in duration. Converting between them is not something the research says, so the swap is refused rather than converted.
Evidence and how-to
Vibration-assisted
Compared in the review
2 papers put it in this slot · dose unit not stated
Evidence and how-to
Wall-assisted
Compared in the review
1 paper put it in this slot · dose in duration
Cannot be used here: This step's dose is measured in repetitions and this option's in duration. Converting between them is not something the research says, so the swap is refused rather than converted.
Evidence and how-to
6
Overhead Lat Stretch (Side Reach)
hold 30s x 2 per side
Side reach through the torso.
Slot: joint-specific ROM
Named by a Round-2 reviewMeets the finding's doseObserved in 6 papers · 2–30 setsObserved in 3 papers · 5–30 min
8 options for this requirement
These are the practices the completed Round-2 reviews name for joint-specific ROM. The evidence rating on this routine belongs to the practice and its dose, not to any one of these. Choosing one changes what you read on this page only — it is not saved on any session in your week, and it never changes what the routine prescribes. To keep a choice, make it on the session itself in My Week.
Ballistic stretching
Compared in the review
3 papers put it in this slot · dose unit not stated
Evidence and how-to
Dynamic stretching
Compared in the review
18 papers put it in this slot · dose in sets × time
Evidence and how-to
Dynamic warm-up
Compared in the review
2 papers put it in this slot · dose in duration
Cannot be used here: This step's dose is measured in sets × time and this option's in duration. Converting between them is not something the research says, so the swap is refused rather than converted.
Evidence and how-to
Foam rolling
Compared in the review
7 papers put it in this slot · dose in duration
Cannot be used here: This step's dose is measured in sets × time and this option's in duration. Converting between them is not something the research says, so the swap is refused rather than converted.
Evidence and how-to
PNF stretching
Compared in the review
7 papers put it in this slot · dose in duration
Cannot be used here: This step's dose is measured in sets × time and this option's in duration. Converting between them is not something the research says, so the swap is refused rather than converted.
Evidence and how-to
Static stretching
Compared in the review
36 papers put it in this slot · dose in duration
Cannot be used here: This step's dose is measured in sets × time and this option's in duration. Converting between them is not something the research says, so the swap is refused rather than converted.
Evidence and how-to
Vibration-assisted
Compared in the review
2 papers put it in this slot · dose unit not stated
Evidence and how-to
Wall-assisted
Compared in the review
1 paper put it in this slot · dose in duration
Cannot be used here: This step's dose is measured in sets × time and this option's in duration. Converting between them is not something the research says, so the swap is refused rather than converted.
Evidence and how-to

Safety, and where each line comes from

23 product safeguard (app-authored)6 source silent

Each line below says where it comes from. “Reported by the review’s sources” is the source’s own words about adverse events or contraindications. “Product safeguard” is written by this app, not by the research. “Source silent” means the studies behind this routine report nothing on that point, which is not the same as saying it carries no risk.

Who should modify or avoid this

Product safeguard (app-authored)Avoid painful end-range; caution with shoulder instability or impingement history.
From this routine’s block record, written by this app.
Product safeguard (app-authored)Adults with stiff or desk-bound shoulders.
From this routine’s block record, written by this app.
Product safeguard (app-authored)Designed for generally healthy adults. Hypermobility, a recent injury or surgery, or a bone-density condition changes what is appropriate here.
Source silentThe sources behind this routine's finding report no contraindications or population restrictions.

Prerequisites

Product safeguard (app-authored)Written for beginner level. Equipment: mat, none, strap. Warm up before the working sets, and learn each movement at a light load or short range before adding effort.
Source silentThe sources behind this routine's finding report nothing on prerequisites or starting level.

Hazards and adverse events

Product safeguard (app-authored)Doorway Chest / Pec Stretch: Avoid overstretching if you have shoulder instability; keep it gentle.
From the exercise catalogue, written by this app.
Product safeguard (app-authored)Cross-Body Shoulder Stretch: Pull below the elbow, not on the joint; gentle with cranky shoulders.
From the exercise catalogue, written by this app.
Product safeguard (app-authored)Overhead Triceps Stretch: Press gently; avoid forcing the neck forward.
From the exercise catalogue, written by this app.
Product safeguard (app-authored)Side-Lying Open Book (T-Spine Rotation): Keep the knees stacked and stable so rotation comes from the spine.
From the exercise catalogue, written by this app.
Product safeguard (app-authored)Shoulder Pass-Throughs (Strap / Dowel): Use a wide grip; never force the shoulders behind into pain.
From the exercise catalogue, written by this app.
Product safeguard (app-authored)Overhead Lat Stretch (Side Reach): Keep the movement in the side body; avoid over-arching the low back.
From the exercise catalogue, written by this app.
Source silentThe sources behind this routine's finding report no adverse events.

Progression and regression

Product safeguard (app-authored)Doorway Chest / Pec Stretch: regress with Lower the arm height; Reduce the forward lean and progress with Raise the elbows to bias the lower pec fibers; Single-arm version for a deeper stretch.
From the exercise catalogue, written by this app.
Product safeguard (app-authored)Cross-Body Shoulder Stretch: regress with Reduce how far you pull the arm across; Keep a slight elbow bend and progress with Pull the arm closer; Keep the shoulder down away from the ear.
From the exercise catalogue, written by this app.
Product safeguard (app-authored)Overhead Triceps Stretch: regress with Reduce the pressure on the elbow; Perform without the assisting hand and progress with Add a slight side-bend to include the lats; Use a strap dropped down the back.
From the exercise catalogue, written by this app.
Product safeguard (app-authored)Side-Lying Open Book (T-Spine Rotation): regress with Reduce the rotation range; Support the top arm on a cushion and progress with Add a brief hold at end range; Straighten the top leg.
From the exercise catalogue, written by this app.
Product safeguard (app-authored)Shoulder Pass-Throughs (Strap / Dowel): regress with Widen the grip; Reduce the range behind the body and progress with Narrow the grip gradually; Add a brief hold behind the back.
From the exercise catalogue, written by this app.
Product safeguard (app-authored)Overhead Lat Stretch (Side Reach): regress with Keep both feet planted and side-bend less; Seated version and progress with Hold an overhead bar and let the hips shift away; Add a slight rotation.
From the exercise catalogue, written by this app.
Source silentThe sources behind this routine's finding report nothing on how to progress or regress it.

Stop conditions

Product safeguard (app-authored)Stop if you feel sharp pain, numbness, tingling or a pulling sensation in a joint rather than a muscle; stretch to mild tension, never through pain.
Source silentThe sources behind this routine's finding report no stop conditions.

When to seek supervision or clearance

Product safeguard (app-authored)Sharp or radiating pain during stretching, stop and consult a clinician.
From this routine’s block record, written by this app.
Product safeguard (app-authored)Sudden loss of range of motion or joint instability, seek a physical therapist.
From this routine’s block record, written by this app.
Product safeguard (app-authored)Numbness, tingling, or a recent injury, get medical clearance first.
From this routine’s block record, written by this app.
Product safeguard (app-authored)Shoulder pain, clicking with pain, or weakness, see a clinician.
From this routine’s block record, written by this app.
Product safeguard (app-authored)Ask a clinician or physiotherapist before starting if you have a joint that dislocates, a recent injury or surgery, osteoporosis, or nerve symptoms in a limb.
Product safeguard (app-authored)Signs of a medical emergency (chest pain or pressure, trouble breathing, fainting, sudden weakness or numbness) mean 911 or your local emergency services; thoughts of self-harm or suicide mean the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This app does not diagnose, treat or give personalised medical advice.
Source silentThe sources behind this routine's finding report nothing on supervision or clearance.

How to do it

Combine cross-body and doorway stretches with active drills like band dislocates.
Progress gently given the shoulder's mobility-stability balance.

hold 30s per position + active drills, 3–4×/week

The research observed benefit across this range but hasn't pinned down the minimum amount that still works. A shorter session may still help; it just isn't validated as enough on its own.

What the evidence says

The evidence is inherited from the practice this routine implements. Any duration is allowed; the label shows where you land against the studied dose.

This practice is one way to carry out what the sources on the concept entry studied: static stretching and joint range of motion across joints and muscle groups; none of them singles out the shoulder. Those sources are seven syntheses, among them Behm 2023 (systematic review and meta-analysis, 47 studies, 1658 participants) and Thomas 2018 (systematic review), and three randomised trials (Fukaya 2020, Nakamura 2021, Kataura 2017). Their conclusions are not yet recorded in this library, so this entry states no effect of this routine on shoulder range of motion. The full account, source by source, is on the concept entry on static stretching and range of motion this practice links to.

Key sources

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

Each source is shown by its own study design.

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

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