PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Muscle Stretching Exercises”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 307 records · Page 17Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Soleus stretch reflex modulation during gait in humans.

1. The modulation of the short-latency stretch reflex during walking at different walking speeds was investigated and compared with the stretch reflex during standing in healthy human subjects. 2. Ankle joint stretches were applied by a system able to rotate the human ankle joint during treadmill walking in any phase of the step cycle. The system consisted of a mechanical joint attached to the subject's ankle joint and connected to a motor placed beside the treadmill by means of bowden wires. The weight of the total system attached to the leg of the subject was 900 g. 3. The short-latency soleus stretch reflex was modulated during a step. In the stance phase, the amplitude equaled that found during standing at matched soleus background electromyogram (EMG). In the transition from stance to swing, the amplitude was 0 in all subjects. In late swing, the stretch reflex amplitude increased to 45 +/- 27% (mean +/- SD) of the maximal amplitude in the stance phase (stretch amplitude 8 degrees, stretch velocity 250 degrees/s). 4. The onset (42 +/- 3.2 ms) and peak latencies (59 +/- 2.5 ms) of the stretch reflex did not depend on the phase in the step cycle at which the reflex was elicited. 5. When the ankle joint is rotated, a change in torque can be measured. The torque measured over the first 35 ms after stretch onset (nonreflex torque) was at a maximum during late stance, when the leg supported a large part of the body's weight, and at a minimum during the swing phase. At heel contact the nonreflex torque was 50% of its maximal value. 6. During the stance phase the maximal EMG stretch reflex had a phase lead of approximately 120 ms with respect to the maximal background EMG and a phase lead of approximately 250 ms with respect to the maximal nonreflex torque. 7. The constant latency of the stretch reflex during a step implied that the ankle extensor muscle spindles are always taut during walking. 8. The relatively high amplitude of the stretch reflex in late swing and at heel contact made it likely that the stretch reflex contributed to the activation of the ankle extensor muscles in early stance phase.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

I-cell disease and its rehabilitation: case study.

I-cell disease is a rare inborn error of mucolipid metabolism that is characterized by generalized hypotonia, thick and tight skin, restriction of joint motion, coarse facial features, bony deformities, and an inability to stand or walk. A case was treated with gentle stretching, neurodevelopmental therapy, and strengthening exercises of both hip and knee extensor muscles. After this treatment the patient was able to ambulate with moderate support using bilateral long leg braces.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Hamstring strains in athletes: diagnosis and treatment.

Hamstring strains are among the most common injuries (and reinjuries) in athletes. Studies combining electromyography with gait analysis have elucidated the timing of activity of the three muscles of the hamstring group; they function during the early-stance phase for knee support, during the late-stance phase for propulsion, and during midswing to control the momentum of the leg. Muscle injury, whether partial or complete, occurs at the myotendinous junction, where force is concentrated. The healing response begins with inflammation, associated edema, and localized hemorrhage. After an initial period of reduced tension, the healing muscle regains strength rapidly as long as reinjury does not occur. Although the use of anti-inflammatory medication is a keystone of treatment, a certain degree of inflammation is necessary for removing necrotic muscle fibers and rescaffolding to allow optimal recovery. The protocol of rest, ice, compression, and elevation is still the preferred first-aid approach. After a brief period of immobilization (usually less than 1 week for even the most severe strain), mobilization is begun to properly align the regenerating muscle fibers and limit the extent of connective tissue fibrosis. Concurrent pain-free stretching and strengthening exercises (beginning with isometrics and progressing to isotonics and isokinetics) are essential to regain flexibility and prevent further injury and inflammation. Readiness for return to competition can be assessed by isokinetic testing to confirm that muscle-strength imbalances have been corrected, the hamstring-quadriceps ratio is 50% to 60%, and the strength of the injured leg has been restored to within 10% of that of the unaffected leg. The only indication for surgery is a complete rupture at or near the origin from the ischial tuberosity or distally at its insertion (either soft-tissue avulsion with a large defect or bone avulsion with displacement by 2 cm).

Athletic Injuries↗
PubMed2006

Forearm vascular responses to combined muscle metaboreceptor activation in the upper and lower limbs in humans.

Our previous studies showed that venous occlusion or passive stretch of the lower limb, assuming a mechanical stimulus, attenuates the vasoconstriction in the non-exercised forearm during postexercise muscle ischaemia (PEMI) of the upper limb. In this study, we investigated whether a metabolic stimulus to the lower limb induces a similar response. Eight subjects performed a 2 min static handgrip exercise at 30% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) followed by 3 min PEMI of the upper limb, concomitant with or without 2 min static ankle dorsiflexion at 30% MVC followed by 2 min PEMI of the lower limb. During PEMI of the upper limb alone, forearm blood flow (FBF) and forearm vascular conductance (FVC) in the non-exercised arm decreased significantly, whereas during combined PEMI of the upper and lower limbs, the decreases in FBF and FVC produced by PEMI of the upper limb was attenuated. Forearm blood flow and FVC were significantly greater during combined PEMI of the upper and lower limbs than during PEMI of the upper limb alone. When PEMI of the lower limb was released after combined PEMI of the upper and lower limbs (only PEMI of the upper limb was maintained continuously), the attenuated decreases in FBF and FVC observed during combined PEMI of the upper and lower limbs was not observed. Thus, forearm vascular responses differ when muscle metaboreceptors are activated in the upper limb and when there is combined activation of muscle metaboreceptors in both the upper and lower limbs.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Use of botulinum toxin type A on orthopedics: a case report.

Botulinum toxin type A is effective in treating neurologic entities with increased muscle tone. Few reports show the benefits of this treatment for orthopedic conditions. We present the case of a 54-year-old man who manifested bilateral pectoralis major stiffness and bilateral shoulder pain; he had a score of 6 on a visual analog scale (VAS). Complex regional pain syndrome (type I) after cardiac surgery, which had already been resolved, was significant in the patient's clinical background. On examination, neither increases in muscle tone nor signs of tendinous or joint pathology was found. However, the patient experienced significant pain when both pectorals were stretched. The patient's Constant score, a validated scale of shoulder function, was 45/100 on the right shoulder and 41/100 on the left. The patient's shoulder stiffness and pain neither responded to rehabilitation (stretching exercises, passive mobilization, electrostimulation) nor to oral medication (alprazolam, gabapentin). Despite the lack of increased muscle tone, we decided to administer botulinum toxin type A to control pain. Subsequently, pain intensity was reduced to 4 on a VAS on both sides, and functionality improved (Constant scale score, 62 on the right side; 60 on the left). This improvement enabled the patient to resume his job as a building supervisor, which required active involvement in physical construction work.

Botulinum Toxins, Type A↗
PubMed1995

Differences in mechanical efficiency between power- and endurance-trained athletes while jumping.

Mechanical efficiency (ME) of jumping exercises was compared between power-trained (n = 11) and endurance-trained athletes (n = 10) using both a biomechanical and a physiological approach. In drop jumps and in stretch-shortening cycle exercise on a special sledge (sledge jumps), the subjects performed 60 muscle actions from a dropping height of optimum minus 40 cm (O-40), as well as from dropping heights of optimum (O) and optimum plus 40 cm (O + 40). Thus, they were tested in six different tests which lasted for a total of 3 min for each. The mean ME values in the drop jumps from the lowest dropping height upwards were as follows: 23.8 (SD 5.3)%, 35.5 (SD 10.8)% and 39.2 (SD 6.6)% for the power group, and 30.8 (SD 6.5)%, 37.5 (SD 8.7)% and 41.4 (SD 7.0)% for the endurance group. In the sledge jumps the ME values were 37.0 (SD 5.6)%, 48.4 (SD 4.0)% and 54.9 (SD 8.5)% for the power group, and 40.2 (SD 5.9)%, 46.9 (SD 5.7)% and 58.5 (SD 5.5)% for the endurance group. As can be seen, the ME values increased with increasing stretch load. However, the groups did not differ from each other except in the drop jump condition of O-40 (P < 0.05). The higher power (P < 0.001) among the power athletes in every measured condition was associated with a faster rate of electromyogram development during the pre-activity, and smoother muscle activity patterns in the ground contact.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed2000

The effect of eccentric exercise on intrinsic and reflex stiffness in the human hand.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this work was to determine the effect of strenuous eccentric exercise on joint stiffness and to separate joint stiffness into components due to intrinsic muscle mechanics and delayed reflex muscle activation. DESIGN: Subjects performed 100 maximal eccentric contractions, using the first dorsal interosseus muscle to abduct the index finger while undergoing a 20 degrees displacement of the metacarpophalangeal joint. Joint stiffness was measured 24 h later during 15% and 65% maximal voluntary contraction and during electrical muscle stimulation at 15% of maximal voluntary contraction torque. BACKGROUND: Joint stiffness can be varied by changing voluntary muscle activation and thereby serves an important role in joint stabilization. Eccentric exercise has been shown to result in muscle fiber injury, reducing maximal muscle force. However, it is not known whether intrinsic muscle stiffness or reflex stiffness is also affected. METHODS: Displacements of 3 degrees amplitude were used to estimate joint stiffness about the neutral angle of the index finger. The difference between measurements made during voluntary muscle activation and electrical muscle stimulation was used to obtain reflex stiffness. RESULTS: There was no change in the passive joint stiffness nor was there any change in either the intrinsic or reflex stiffness at 15% maximal voluntary contraction. However, intrinsic stiffness for the electrically stimulated muscle was higher post-exercise than pre-exercise, while active joint stiffness at 65% maximal voluntary contraction (comprising intrinsic and reflex stiffness) was lower. CONCLUSION: The observed mechanical changes are compatible with the hypothesis that type II muscle fibers are more susceptible to injury than type I muscle fibers, which have higher intrinsic stiffness. RELEVANCE: Muscle stiffness is important for maintaining mechanical stability of a joint. The effects of eccentric exercise on muscle stiffness are likely analogous to the effects of muscle injury, making this a good model for biomechanical changes associated with muscle injury.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Laufband therapy based on 'rules of spinal locomotion' is effective in spinal cord injured persons.

Rehabilitation of locomotion in spinal cord (s.c.) injured patients is unsatisfactory. Here we report the effects of a novel 'Laufband (LB; treadmill) therapy' based on 'rules of spinal locomotion' derived from lower vertebrates. Eighty-nine incompletely paralysed (44 chronic and 45 acute) para- and tetraplegics underwent this therapy, then were compared with 64 patients (24 chronic and 40 acute) treated conventionally. The programme consisted of daily upright walking on a motor driven LB initially with body weight support (BWS) provided by a harness and assisted limb movements by the therapists when necessary. Forty-four chronic patients with different degrees of paralysis undertook the programme for 3-20 weeks (median = 10.5), 0.5-18 years after s.c. damage. At the onset of LB therapy 33/44 patients were wheelchair-bound (no standing and/or walking without help by others) whereas at the end of therapy 25 patients (76%) had learned to walk independently, 7 patients with help [corrected]. Only 1 subject did not improve. It was striking that voluntary muscle activity in the resting position was still low in several patients who had gained walking capability. Eleven patients who could already walk before LB therapy improved in speed and endurance. Of the 44 patients, six were capable of staircase walking before LB therapy compared with 34 afterwards. In order to validate the apparent superiority of LB therapy two types of comparisons were performed. In a 'temporal' control 12 spastic paretic patients, still wheelchair-bound after the period of postacute conventional therapy, performed LB immediately thereafter. After completion of LB therapy nine of these patients had learned to walk without help from others.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1996

Passive care and active rehabilitation in a patient with failed back surgery syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the results of chiropractic care combined with rehabilitative exercise protocol for a 41-yr-old male patient suffering from failed back surgery syndrome. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 41-yr-old man, who herniated his L4-L5 disc 4 yr before presentation and had undergone two surgeries to relieve his symptoms, sought chiropractic care for complaints of chronic, severe low back pain and leg pain with sensorimotor deficits. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: A 16-wk treatment protocol coupled passive chiropractic care (including adjustment, electric stimulation, stretching, massage and moist hot packs), with active rehabilitative exercise (including pelvic stabilization, muscle strengthening, proprioceptive training and movement training). Outcome measures included weekly assessment of the patient's active thoracolumbar flexion and extension by a goniometer. The Low Back Pain and Disability Questionnaire (Revised Oswestry) and visual analogue pain scale were administered weekly. In addition, daily activities such as ability to walk without a cane and hours of painfree sleep per night were noted each visit. After 16 wk of care, thoracolumbar ranges of motion were restored to normal, pain was reduced from "severe" to "moderate" and ability to perform daily activities was increased. The patient no longer required a cane to walk and was able to walk up to 7 miles without difficulty. Sleep increased from 5 to 7-9 hours per night. The patient halted use of pain medications, except for occasional days when he felt a significant increase in pain. CONCLUSION: A multifactorial treatment approach using passive care plus active rehabilitative exercises can be effective in the treatment of chronic low back pain associated with failed back surgery syndrome. Chiropractors who are trained in rehabilitation techniques will be well prepared to provide comprehensive care to such patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Effects of different simulated gravity conditions on neuromuscular control in drop jump exercises.

The neuromuscular characteristics of the triceps surae muscle were investigated during the various types of stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) muscle loading. The analysis concentrated on the preactivation and the contact phases of SSC. Muscle loading was changed unconventionally by artificially changing the condition of the gravity in drop jumps. This was accomplished by using a special lifting block system where the gravity could be modified to control loading and unloading effects of the triceps surae muscle. The normal gravity condition showed an advantage over the other gravity drop jump conditions for the measured parameters. The same tendency could be seen in the activation characteristics of the investigated muscles in the preactivation and eccentric phases. Further, the preactivation EMG was related to the eccentric peak angular velocity of the ankle joint. The correlation coefficients were 0.37 (p < 0.05) and 0.48 (p < 0.01) for the gastrocnemius and the soleus muscles, respectively. All the results emphasized considerable adaptation of the neuromuscular system to the normal gravity condition. However, the overall control of landing may also depend on the vestibular and visual inputs, which might modify even the earlier learned central programs.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed2003

[Exercise and physical activities for the prevention of osteoporotic fractures: a review of the evidence].

According that osteoporosis is the common condition in an aging society such as in Japan, much progress has been made in understanding the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. Among potential risk factors, exercise and physical activities have been recognized as lifestyle factors that might influence the risk of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures. To assess the relationship between exercises including physical activities and the risk for low bone mass and osteoporosis-related fractures, a literature search over past 13 years was conducted. Accumulating evidence indicates that exercises decrease the risk for hip fractures among middle aged and older men and women. Exercises also help to maintain muscle strength, muscle volume, balance, and joint flexibility, which might prevent falls and fall-related fractures. One randomized controlled trial showed back-stretching exercise reduced the risk for vertebral fractures. The literature search also indicates that high-impact and/or weight-bearing exercise might increase the bone density in the elderly and the peak bone mass among young women, while there is no association between moderate or lower-impact exercise and bone mineral density. Future research should be required to evaluate the types and quantity of physical activity needed for the prevention of osteoporosis.

Aged↗
PubMed1989

The effects of static stretching and warm-up on prevention of delayed-onset muscle soreness.

It has been suggested in the lay literature that static stretching and/or warm-up will prevent the occurrence of Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). The primary purpose of this study was to determine the effects of static stretching and/or warm-up on the level of pain associated with DOMS. Sixty-two healthy male and female volunteers were randomly assigned to four groups: (a) subjects who statically stretched the quadriceps muscle group before a step, (b) subjects who only performed a stepping warm-up, (c) subjects who both stretched and performed a stepping warm-up prior to a step test, and (d) subjects who only performed a step test. The step test (Asmussen, 1956) required subjects to do concentric work with their right leg and eccentric work with their left leg to voluntary exhaustion. Subjects rated their muscle soreness on a ratio scale from zero to six at 24-hour intervals for 5 days following the step test. A 4x2x2 ANOVA with repeated measures on legs and Duncan's New Multiple Range post-hoc test found no difference in peak muscle soreness among the groups doing the step test or for gender (p greater than .05). There was the expected significant difference in peak muscle soreness between eccentrically and concentrically worked legs, with the eccentrically worked leg experiencing greater muscle soreness. We concluded that static stretching and/or warm-up does not prevent DOMS resulting from exhaustive exercise.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

EMG-activity and muscular performance of lower leg during stretch-shortening cycle after cooling.

To test the effect of cooling on EMG-activity of muscles working as an agonist and antagonist in the lower leg, 12 men dressed in shorts and jogging shoes performed a drop-jump exercise after 60 min exposures to 27 degrees C and 10 degrees C. Cooling decreased mean skin temperature 5.6 +/- 0.4 degrees C (mean +/- SD, P < 0.001), whereas rectal temperature was unaffected. The muscle temperature measured from m. gastrocnemius medialis decreased 4.1 +/- 0.3 degrees C (P < 0.01) at the depth of 30 mm below skin surface. To find the optimal stretching velocity for potentiation of elastic energy, the drop-jump exercise was performed from six different bench heights (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 cm). The optimal velocity was not altered on account of cooling. In cooled subjects during the stretch phase of the drop jumps the EMG-activity of m. triceps surae complex (agonist) increased (P < 0.05-0.001) while the activity of m. tibialis anterior (antagonist) remained unchanged. After cooling during the shortening phase of the jumps the EMG-activity of m. triceps surae complex decreased (P < 0.05-0.001), whereas the activity of m. tibialis anterior increased (P < 0.05-0.001). In addition, after cooling the peak EMG-activity appeared on the average 28 ms earlier, which shifted the peak activity from the shortening phase (at 27 degrees C) to the stretch phase (at 10 degrees C). Cooling increased the mean duration of stretch and shortening phases by 28 +/- 3 ms (P < 0.001) and 23 +/- 2 ms (P < 0.001), respectively. The average force production during the shortening phase was 26% less (P < 0.05) after cooling, which resulted in a decreased rise of body centre of gravity (P < 0.05-0.01). It is concluded that during a stretch-shortening cycle cooling alters the EMG-activity of agonist and antagonist muscles on a contradictory manner and results in an earlier peak EMG-activity. Therefore, alterations in motor unit recruitment could be responsible for the prolonged muscle contraction and decreased force production on account of cooling.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Evaluation of spastic muscle in stroke survivors using magnetic resonance imaging and resistance to passive motion.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and resistance to passive movement to evaluate spastic muscle. DESIGN: T2-weighted MRI scans of the upper arm were obtained at rest and after the performance of upper-arm exercise. In addition, resistance to passive movement was measured subjectively (Modified Ashworth Scale [MAS]) and objectively by an isokinetic device while the arm was moved at varying speeds (stretch reflex torque). SETTING: Research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Six hemiplegic stroke survivors (single group) with spasticity in the elbow flexors and extensors. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Strength, stretch reflex torque, MAS, MRI-derived muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), and transverse relaxation time (T2). RESULTS: The affected sides exhibited spasticity (as assessed through MAS), with the extensors displaying a range of 0 to 3, and the flexors between 1 and 1+. The affected muscle groups were significantly weaker than the unaffected muscle groups (extensors: 61% less, flexors: 65% less; P< or =.05). The affected CSA of the triceps was 25% smaller than that of the unaffected side (P=.01), but the biceps muscle group was similar (5% less on the affected side, P> or =.05). There was a tendency (P=.07; effect size, .48) for the resting T2 to be higher in affected versus unaffected biceps, but triceps values were similar (P> or =.05). Both muscle groups showed an increase in T2 after exercise ( approximately 30%, P< or =.05); however, the affected sides did not show an increase (P> or =.05). For both muscle groups, the affected side had a greater stretch reflex torque, with the range of torque values being greater than the range of MAS scores. CONCLUSIONS: MRI and quantitative resistance to passive movement may be useful in the evaluation of spasticity. This is clinically relevant for the development and evaluation of antispasticity treatments.

Arm↗
PubMed2005

Effects of immediate post-game recovery procedures on muscle soreness, power and flexiblity levels over the next 48 hours.

This study investigated whether or not immediate post-game recovery procedures could enhance the rate of recovery in Australian football players in the first 48 hr after a game. Control, stretch, pool walking and hot/cold recoveries were trialled. Typical next day recovery training (25 min of pool exercise) was also performed after each game. Muscle soreness ratings and measures of flexibility (sit and reach) and power (6-s cycling sprint and vertical jump) were obtained 45 hr pre-game (Thursdays) (baseline), 15 hr post-game (Sundays, prior to "next day" recovery) and 48 hr post-game (Mondays). Performance ratios (Sunday and Monday scores divided respectively by the Thursday score) were used as the primary index of recovery. Muscle soreness was significantly greater (p<0.01) than baseline on both Sunday and Monday in all conditions, but no differences between the three recoveries and control were evident. On Sunday, vertical jump and 6-s work and power scores were only significantly lower than baseline values in control and performance ratios recorded two significant differences (vertical jump: pool walking > control, p<0.01; 6-s power: stretch > control, p<0.01) and moderate to large effect sizes (>0.3). No differences were found between the three experimental recoveries. On Monday no significant differences were recorded in performance between the recoveries and the effect sizes were of lower magnitude. In conclusion, recovery of muscle soreness, flexibility and power at 48 hr post-game was not significantly enhanced by performing an immediate post-game recovery beyond that achieved by performing only next day recovery training.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Sarcopenia--consequences, mechanisms, and potential therapies.

Increasingly, the worldwide population is growing older. Sarcopenia occurs with age and is characterized by loss of muscle mass, strength and endurance. Mechanisms that underlie this process are beginning to be understood. These include age-related loss and atrophy of individual muscle fibers, decreased synthesis of muscle proteins, and reduced mitochondrial function. The role of decreased anabolic hormone production in causing these changes remains to be clearly defined. Anabolic hormone replacement is a potential strategy currently being investigated for treatment of sarcopenia. Combinations of aerobic, resistance, and stretching exercise programs have well established beneficial effects. Further understanding of the molecular processes involved in the aging of muscle both at the level of gene expression and protein modification will be important for discovering novel treatment strategies.

Aged↗