Acute Effects of Various Stretching Techniques on Range of Motion: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

What this means

Practical for the warm-up: every stretching method acutely increases range of motion, so the method chosen is mainly about practicality — dynamic for warm-ups, PNF when a partner is available.

Behm DG, Alizadeh S, Daneshjoo A, et al. · 2023 · Sports Medicine - Open

What does this rating mean?

A solid systematic review with caveats, or consistent indications with a limited scope.

Findings

All stretching techniques acutely increased range of motion. Static stretching had the most consistent effect, dynamic stretching was also effective and may be preferable for warm-up, and PNF stretching produced the largest ROM gains but requires a partner; overall effect sizes were small.

Who this applies to

RCTs and controlled trials; healthy adults

What to keep in mind

Acute effects only; chronic adaptations not assessed; heterogeneity in stretching protocols.

View method and source

Methodology

Meta-analysis

Intervention

Acute bout of static, dynamic, ballistic, or PNF stretching vs control

Outcome measures

Joint range of motion

Original source

DOI: 10.1186/s40798-023-00652-x

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