============ Comments =============
CLAIM : Stretching Out Does Not Prevent Soreness After Exercise
Most of the studies cited may be questioned because they were carried
out in laboratories and written up in print.
None of the stretching exercises was done with real outdoor objects such
as automobiles, fire hydrants or picnic tables...
The muscle soreness was measured only a half a day to three days later.
Therefore, earlier pain relief was unreported and omitted from
consideration.
The researchers did, however, concede that persons with limited
flexibility may benefit from stretching.....
;-) Practicing rejection of new data to defend old myths.
=============== End Comments =======================
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071016195932.htm
Source: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Date: October 17, 2007
Stretching Out Does Not Prevent Soreness After Exercise
Science Daily — Studies show that stretching before or after exercise
has little or no effect on muscle soreness between half a day and three
days later, a team of Cochrane Researchers has found.
Many people stretch before starting to exercise, and some stretch again
at the end of a period of exertion. The aim may be to prevent injury, to
promote higher performance, or to limit the chances of feeling stiff in
the days after the exercise.
Two researchers set out to assess whether stretching could reduce
stiffness. They identified 10 relevant trials, each of which involved
between 10 and 30 people. Nine of the studies had been carried out in
laboratory situations and stretching varied from between 40 seconds and
10 minutes.
The researchers used a 100-point scale to assess stiffness after
exercise. They concluded that the estimated effects of stretching were
extremely small, with most estimates showing that stretching reduced
soreness by less than 1 point on the 100-point scale. The size of the
effect was similar if stretching was performed before or after activity.
"The data were remarkably consistent," says lead researcher Robert
Herbert from the School of Physiotherapy at the University of Sydney,
Australia, "The available evidence suggests that stretching before or
after exercise does not prevent muscle soreness in young healthy adults."
The researchers do, however, believe that there is a need to see whether
stretching can have an effect on people in the community who have
reduced levels of flexibility.
Note: This story has been adapted from material provided by John Wiley &
Sons, Inc..