Cardiovascular Responses to Muscle Stretching: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis of 16 studies found pooled Cohen's d effects on heart rate and arterial stiffness markers (baPWV, cfPWV), with stretching associated with lower heart rate and reduced arterial stiffness; blood pressure outcomes were sparsely reported.
Design
SR + MA; Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect; 16 studies in quantitative synthesis; random-effects models; outcomes included HR, BP, baPWV, cfPWV, HRV, endothelial function.
Pooled standardized effects (abstract)
- HR: d = 0.38 (interpreted in abstract as a statistically significant stretching-related shift in HR response)
- baPWV: d = 2.04
- cfPWV: d = 0.46
- Qualitative summary: stretching reduces arterial stiffness and HR; no adverse BP signals were reported in CVD patients in reviewed work; authors flag limited BP trial data overall.
Evidence hygiene
Heterogeneous study designs (cross-sectional vs longitudinal stretching); Cohen's d metrics are not interchangeable with mmHg clinic BP trials on other rows—pair with Kato / PMID 32764418 arterial-stiffness MA already on stretching-training.
Publication
Thomas E, Bellafiore M, Gentile A, Paoli A. Int J Sports Med. 2021 Jun;42(6):481-493. PMID 33440445.
Outcomes
- Random-effects meta-analysis (n=16 studies): Cohen d = 0.38 for heart-rate-related responses; d = 2.04 for brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity; d = 0.46 for carotid-femoral PWV—authors summarise stretching as reducing arterial stiffness and HR.
- Abstract notes limited blood-pressure trial data overall and no adverse BP signals among included cardiovascular-disease patients after stretching.