Neural aspects of muscle stretching.
Neural mechanisms contribute significantly to the gains that occur in the range of motion about a joint with stretching exercises. In the acute condition, lengthening of a muscle-tendon unit decreases spinal reflex excitability, which reduces passive tension and increases joint range of motion. Similarly, participation in a stretch-training program decreases tonic reflex activity and increases flexibility.
Guissard
Nathalie
N
Laboratory of Applied Biology and Research Unit in Neurophysiology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium. nguissar@ulb.ac.be
Duchateau
Jacques
J
D006801:Humans; D052580:Muscle Stretching Exercises; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D009433:Neural Inhibition / Q000502:physiology; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D012026:Reflex, Stretch / Q000502:physiology*