First published on January 14, 2010

Physical Therapy 2010;90:438.

Physical Therapy
DOI: 10.2522/ptj.20090012
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Perspectives

Increasing Muscle Extensibility: A Matter of Increasing Length or Modifying Sensation?

Cynthia Holzman Weppler and S. Peter Magnusson

C.H. Weppler, PT, MPT, is Independent Researcher, Am Honigbaum 20, 65817 Niederjosbach, Germany.
S.P. Magnusson, PT, DSc, is Professor, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark. He also is affiliated with the Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen and the Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Unit at Bispebjerg Hospital.

mvmtscience{at}aol.com

Various theories have been proposed to explain increases in muscle extensibility observed after intermittent stretching. Most of these theories advocate a mechanical increase in length of the stretched muscle. More recently, a sensory theory has been proposed suggesting instead that increases in muscle extensibility are due to a modification of sensation only. Studies that evaluated biomechanical properties of muscles immediately after stretching and after short-term (3- to 8-week) stretching programs support this sensory theory of increasing muscle extensibility. The biomechanical effects of long-term (>8 weeks) and chronic stretching programs have not yet been evaluated. The purposes of this article are to review each of these proposed theories and to discuss the implications for research and clinical practice.


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J. B. Rohll
On "Increasing muscle extensibility..." Weppler CH, Magnusson SP. Phys Ther. 2010;90:438-449.
Physical Therapy, June 1, 2010; 90(6): 962 - 962.
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C. H. Weppler
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Physical Therapy, June 1, 2010; 90(6): 962 - 963.
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