Myths and trues about flexibility: reflections about the stretch training in the health of human being

Abstract

This article aims to address the views of the scientific community in regard to flexibility and stretching concerning the efficiency of preparation to perform physical exercises, the recovery process after intense training activities, and the analysis of the influence of training such skills on osteomuscular and articulatory rehabilitation. Innumerable studies have been conducted which demonstrate the benefits and harms of stretching and flexibility-gain exercises. In regard to the prevention of lesions, a number of authors maintain that stretching plays an important preventive role. However, it can be noticed that most of those who support this idea highlight stretching as an important part of training, instead of just a few preparation exercises prior to training. As far as stretching following physical strain is concerned, it seems that moderate stretching is ideal in order to prevent adaptive muscle shrinking. Therefore, stretching strained muscles with a view to gaining flexibility should not occur because fatigued muscles cannot promptly respond to the protective reflex. In treating lesions of the connective tissue, stretching is recommended for recovery of its normal length, whereas no advantages to flexibility gains are reported.