The Benefits of Static Stretching on Health: A Systematic Review

Background: The positive effects of static stretching exercises (SS) on physical fitness and rehabilitation are well established, but the effect on general health and physical fitness, including muscle function, flexibility, and activities of daily living at the individual level are less well understood. Objectives: The objective of this systematic review was to compile the latest research on the effects of SS on general health and different occupational groups with regards to improving or maintaining general health. Search Methods: This review was registered on PROSPERO and followed PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE-Online medical articles, and Science Direct databases were searched from 2010 to 2022 (including 2022) using the search string ‘static stretching effects OR muscle stretching exercises AND rehabilitation AND injury prevention’.Selection criteria: Inclusion criteria: (1) research questions relating to the positive impact of SS on health status, (2) a sample of subjects that included healthy adults, the elderly, pregnant women, and people in the rehabilitation process. Exclusion Criteria: (1) studies related to the positive/negative impact of SS on muscle performance, (2) inappropriate methods of performing SS, (3) a sample of subjects formed exclusively from professional athletes, (4) studies that had an additional exercise protocol in addition to SS. Main Results: The database search yielded 799 articles of which 20 remained after elimination according to the selection criteria. The articles found that the effect of SS, regardless of the protocol used or whether it is active or passive, has a positive effect on the health status of the subjects. SS can reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD), improve respiratory muscle function in patients after a stroke with hemiparesis, improve lung function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and can be used in pregnancy to reduce the risk or pre- eclampsia. Conclusion: SS is an effective and safe method for improving flexibility and ROM, preventing muscle atrophy, enhancing physical functioning, and improving quality of life with minimal risk of injury