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(Health-NewsWire.Net, August 14, 2015 ) Reading, Berkshire -- Recently published research determined whether exercises can reduce sports injuries and performed extremely thorough analysis of strength training, stretching, proprioception (this is the body's own awareness of joint position) and combinations of these, and provided separate acute and overuse injury estimates for each.
The conclusions of this research was that despite a few separate outlying studies, consistently favourable estimates were obtained for all injury prevention measures EXCEPT for stretching. Strength training reduced the prevalence of sports injuries to less than 1/3 and overuse injuries could be almost halved!
So, this appears to be another nail in the coffin for any of the perceived benefits of stretching.
A growing amount of research has consistently shown that slow, static stretching gives no benefit preventing injury. In fact, this type of very popular warm up activity has been clearly shown to increase the prevalence of sports injuries!
It is thought this occurs as this slow stretching loosens the muscles and tendons, and potentially damages the junction between muscle and tendon. This effect has been likened to having a loose elastic waistband on a casual pair of pants. While this may feel more loose, it will clearly be less effective at controlling and function is affected.
Performing slow stretches affects the tendons differently. The tendons become less elastic when they have been stretched but need to be very springy to absorb heavy loads
A study from the University of Zagreb reviewed 104 studies of people who solely practiced static stretching as their warm-up and found that the effect of this stretching reduced their muscle strength by 5.5%. The second study looked at fit men who completed basic squats while lifting barbells either with or without stretching beforehand. Those that stretched lifted 8.3% less weight than those who didn't. So regardless of whether you are an elite sportsman, or a keen "weekend warrior" STOP STATIC STRETCHING! The alternative is to perform a thorough dynamic warm up instead.
Reading Chiropractor Dr Andy Green (Doctor of Chiropractic) was a member of the medical team for the London 2012 Olympic Games. "All the medical team were busy during the Olympics, but thankfully we did not have too many athletes coming to us in serious pain. Elite sportsmen and women are at the forefront of medical preparation for sport. It is now increasingly rare to see elite athletes performing slow stretches, but rather complete dynamic warm ups, as well as utilising trainers or sports chiropractors to work with them to complete active exercises and individually designed programs."
About Reflex Chiropractic:
Reflex Chiropractic is based in Reading, Berkshire in the United Kingdom. Reflex Chiropractic is also a member of Chiropractor Near Me, the top UK Chiropractic search directory. Reflex is run by chiropractors, Andrew and Laura Green
Reflex Chiropractic
Andrew Green
0118 946 2100
info@reflexchiropractic.co.uk
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