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8 The Stretching Debate'
8 The Stretching Debate'
8 The Stretching Debate'
Mouchnino L, Mesure S, Lizee E, Landjerit Scholz JP, Reissman D, Schoner G 2001 Van der Berg JCE, Van Dieen JH, Toussaint
B, Massion J 1998 Is the spinal column a Effects of varying task constraints on HM 2000 Lifting an unexpectedly heavy
rigid or articulated axis during leg solutions to joint coordination in a sit-to- object: the effects on low back loading
movement? Human Movement Science stand task. Experimental Brain Research and balance loss. Clinical Biomechanics
17: 289–306 141: 485–500 15: 469–477
Commentary 4
Robert Lardner
It is commendable that research There is always a risk of Warming up is not stretching and
questions the long-held beliefs, myths disappointing results in efficacy stretching is not warming up. Most
and traditions, regarding various when a procedure or technique is activities involve a graded increase in
procedures both prophylactic and generally advocated for or applied intensity and repetition of some sort to
allow the body to adjust physiologically
rehabilitative. The evidence for throughout a population with varied
to the increasing demands placed upon
stretching as a prevention for DOMS diagnoses that involves different
it whether perceived as a warm-up or
clinically has never been strong and is factors such as age, prior training, not. I doubt you will find many
rightly called into question. type and level of activity, muscle sprinters who wish to race full out
In regard to stretching and injury imbalances, structural problems, without any prior preparation
prevention, there is definitely more fitness status, etc. whatsoever. Stretching is a procedure
general and tenuous relationship A similar result is seen in the applied to attempt to normalize
with a multi-factorial basis that study on low back pain (Cherkin, shortened or tight structures that in
makes it difficult to evaluate just this Deyo et al. 1998). No procedure turn may alter or hinder an individual’s
aspect of injury prevention while stands out as definitely superior, yet activity. In the clinic, the positive
ignoring other factors that no health practitioner would then results in function of an individually
tailored and appropriate stretching
contribute to the risk of injury. advocate that educational booklets
program are often observed. Indeed
alone or any of the other procedures
stretching may not be necessary for
Robert Lardner PT would be the key to treating low
Lardner Physical Therapy Services, 320 W. Ohio St.
many individuals and general stretching
back pain or even preventing it. If advice may at best be useless or at
Ste 601E, Chicago, IL 60610, USA
the diagnostic triage is well done worst even predispose certain
Correspondence to: Robert Lardner then the choice of an appropriate individuals to injury. As the authors
E-mail: rlpt@winstarmail.com.
procedure becomes more effective. rightly point out more research is
...........................................
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies (2003)
The causes of spinal pain are too definitely needed.
7(2), 84 varied to support use of a particular
r 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/S1360-8592(02)00117-1
procedure alone, and the same goes
S1360-8592/03/$ - see front matter for injury prevention.
Commentary 5
Craig Liebenson
84
J O U R NAL O F B O DY W O R K AN D MOV E M E N T TH E R APIE S APRIL 20 0 3