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Can chronic stretching change the muscle-tendon unit properties? A systematic review with meta-analysis.
Systematic review with meta-analysis of 26 human longitudinal stretching trials (3–8 weeks): pooled effects were small for maximal tolerated passive torque and trivial for muscle architecture and tendon stiffness, suggesting short-protocol adaptations are largely sensory/tolerance-driven.
Design
- Systematic review + meta-analysis; 26 longitudinal human studies (3–8 weeks; ≥2 sessions/week)
- Interventions: static, dynamic, and/or PNF stretching; mean self-reported time under stretch ~1165 s/week
- Outcomes: joint maximal tolerated passive torque, muscle architecture, muscle/tendon stiffness, and related mechanical variables
Headline interpretation (abstract)
- Small pooled change in maximal tolerated passive torque; trivial pooled effects on joint resistance to stretch, muscle architecture, muscle stiffness, and tendon stiffness
- Authors argue 3–8 week programs likely operate mainly via sensory / tolerance shifts rather than large structural remodeling
Evidence hygiene
Included studies mix healthy and clinical cohorts—do not merge injury rehab timelines with ROM warm-up studies on this row alone.
Publication
Freitas SR, Mendes B, Le Sant G, et al. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2018 Mar;28(3):894-906. PMID 28801950.
Outcomes
- Meta-analysis of 26 longitudinal stretching studies (3–8 weeks): small pooled effect on maximal tolerated passive torque and trivial pooled effects on muscle architecture and tendon stiffness—authors interpret as largely sensory/tolerance adaptations (abstract).