| search by category |
Effects of Microstretching® on Lower Limb Range of Motion Measurements in recreational dancers
Wyon, Matthew PhD, MSc, BSc (HONS), University of Wolverhampton, Walsall, West Midlands, United Kingdom; Felton, Lee BSc, University of Wolverhampton, Walsall, West Midlands, United Kingdom; and Galloway, Shaun PhD, University of Wolverhampton, Walsall, West Midlands, United Kingdom
Dance training often imposes great volumes of intense training-involving frequent repetition of specific movements-placing heavy loads on the motor abilities of the skeletal and muscular system, with inevitable wear and tear in the connective tissues (muscles, tendons and ligaments).
At present, stretching is a common and widely accepted intervention used every day by dancers with proven benefits. However, controversy exists as to the most beneficial stretching protocol that should be adapted to aid recovery. There are several traditional methods of stretching that have well documented 1, 3,4. New contemporary modalities, such as Microstretching® have been devised to enhance and attempt to decrease the duration of recovery2 however as this is a topic that is relatively new within this area of research specific evidence for this is lacking.
The theory of Microstretching® is based upon physiological and scientific reasoning. Apostolopolous2 stipulates that Microstretching® is a regeneration technique directed towards the restoration of normal structure and function. It aims to restore the integrity of the connective tissue thereby increasing its load-handling ability by conforming to the healing process of the body.
The aim of the study was to examine the effect of a 6-week micro-stretching intervention on active and passive ranges of motion within a recreational dance population. Ethical approval was given by the University?s Research Centre for Sport, Exercise & Performance ethics board.
20 recreational dance students volunteered for the study. The experimental group carried out a series of 5 lower body micro-stretches on a daily basis, whilst the control group maintained their present regime. Results indicate significant increases in passive and active ranges of motion in the experimental group (p<0.05). The significance of these results suggest that micro-stretching is a valuable flexibility intervention even though its theoretical basis seems at odds with other stretching interventions. Further research on micro-stretching is needed to assess its other benefits.
References
Alter, MJ (1996) Science of Stretching. 3rd Ed Human Kinetics Champaign Ill.
Apostolopolous (2001) Performance Flexibility. in High Performance Sports Conditioning. Ed Foran, B 2001 Human Kinetics, Champaign Ill.
Lycholat, (1995) Complete book of stretching.. Crowood Press UK
McAtee, RE and Charland, J (1993) Facilitated Stretching. Human Kinetics Champaign Ill.