Stretching

This article consists of a case report with a follow-up and a review of the literature. Approximately 30 million people worldwide suffer from Dupuytren's disease. In plain terms, part of the connective tissue of the palm of the hand scars, forms a thick cord, and starts contracting, usually creating a permanent flexion of the small finger and/or the ring finger. As it progresses, the normal function of the hand diminishes and simple daily tasks, such as dressing or face washing, become more difficult. This physical impairment can have a significant impact on everyday life. In severe cases, it can even lead to finger amputation. The G.Vrousgos Technique (GVT or GV Technique) is a non-invasive, non-surgical therapeutic protocol for the treatment of Dupuytren's contraction; it was developed by the author of this paper, George Vrousgos, in August 2018, in Greece. The technique was applied to the author's father, who had a flexion contracture of 90-degree angle, and successfully restored the full functionality of his left little finger within 30 days. No re-occurrence or adverse effects were observed or reported during the 2-year follow-up period. The GV Nonsurgical Technique challenges all the current treatment approaches, especially the invasive ones, which are costly, have side effects, complications, and a high rate of relapse and recurrence. The primary purpose of this publication is to 'flip the mental switch' of Dupuytren sufferers and to motivate them to start stretching their affected fingers, gently. Additionally, a rationale is provided as to why males, rock climbers, and people of Northern European origin are more frequently afflicted. This perspective aims at shifting the main focus from the genetic and other biological influences involved by placing particular emphasis on the contributing lifestyle factors that are also implicated. This article can be a cornerstone and a turning point regarding the prevention and treatment of Dupuytren's contraction.

Keywords: Dupuytren Contracture, Viking Lifestyle, Northern Europeans, Surgery, Radiotherapy, Passive Stretching, Friction Massage, TEC Device, Causation, Prevention.

The single-layered microporous polyethylene
separator is prepared by dry process and has been
stretched in uni-axial direction to two different ratios
namely 180 and 300 % in order to create highperformance
and cost-effective separator for practical application
in lithium-ion batteries. In this study, the structures
of the microporous polyethylene separator prepared
by dry process and uni-axially stretched to two different
ratios of 180 and 300 % were characterized. The physical
structure of the stretched separator is characterized by key
factors such as thickness, mean pore size, porosity, Gurley
value, ionic resistivity, MacMullin number and tortuosity.
The thermal behavior of the stretched separator is
explained by using differential scanning calorimeter
(DSC). DSC explains the melting and shutdown behavior
of the separator. Electrochemical property is studied by
linear sweep voltammetry, electrochemical impedance
spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic performance. EIS is performed
to explain, in elaborate, the resistance of separator
and the specific discharge capacity is observed using the
cyclic performance. Three hundred percent stretched separator is observed to have comparatively less resistance
and higher discharge capacity than the 180 % stretched
separator.

La mayoría de las acciones realizadas en Deportes de Combate requieren que los atletas lleven a cabo gestos que demandarían niveles de movilidad por encima de la media.
A lo largo del presente artículo se presentará una mirada integradora, en donde se buscará ofrecer al lector de una serie de herramientas para una implementación segura y eficaz de los entrenamientos asociados a la mejora de la flexibilidad en Deportes de Combate.

Traditional printing methods offer the advantage of well-matured technology, high accuracy of depositing inks over flexible substrates at high web speeds, and low cost of fabrication. The components of a battery—the current collectors, active layers, and separator—can all be deposited using convention- al printing techniques by designing suitable inks. A combination of low thickness of printed electrodes, flexible packaging, battery architecture, and material properties makes printed batteries flexible. In this paper, we will discuss mate- rial challenges and mechanical limits of flexible printed batteries. We will review several printing techniques and present examples of batteries printed using these methods. In addition, we will briefly discuss other novel non-printed compliant batteries that have unique mechanical form.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The hamstring muscle is one of the muscles with a high risk of injury due to loss of flexibility. Using deep heat modalities is one way to improve muscle flexibility. Given that TECAR therapy is a new way to produce heat in deep tissues, the present study was conducted to compare the short-term effects of TECAR therapy and static stretching on hamstring flexibility in athletes.
METHODS: This single-blinded randomized clinical trial was performed on 20 male athletes. Samples were randomly divided into two groups of TECAR therapy with static stretching (n=10) and static stretching (n=10) and were treated for three sessions. Active knee extension (AKE) test, passive knee extension (PKE) test, and sit and reach test were performed before treatment, after the first session and after the third session.
FINDINGS: The mean values of active knee extension and passive knee extension (degree) and mean values of sit and reach test (cm) after the third session in the TECAR therapy group were 72.10±1.59 and 71±1.49 and 35.20±2.39, respectively, and in the static stretching group were 70.70±1.49, 69.70±1.05 and 34.80±1.61, respectively. The results of this study showed that in both groups, the range of active knee extension (p<0.0001), the range of passive knee extension (p=0.004), and the range of motion in sit and reach test (p=0.004) improved significantly after the first and third sessions. The improvement of all three flexibility indices in the TECAR therapy group was higher than static stretching, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups.
CONCLUSION: The present study showed that TECAR therapy with static stretching causes a greater increase in hamstring flexibility than static stretching alone.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of passive stretching alone on subsequent sprinting and jump performance. Two different stretching protocols: (a) static stretch (SS) to point of discomfort (POD); (b) a control warm-up condition without stretching were implemented with a prior aerobic warm-up and followed by dynamic activities. The control condition showed signficant differences (p = 0.05) for sprint, agility run, jump and measure of flexibility tests faster than the PS, POD condition. There were variable effects during the four phases of play. The performances were affected during the first time (D1), recuperation of muscular capacities in the second (D2), significant progresses in the third (D3) and stability with some perturbation in the last (D4). The lack of stretch-induced impairments may be attributed to the trained state of the participants or the amount of time used after stretching before the performance. Participants were either amateurs or regional level football athletes who trained 3–4 times a week with each session lasting; 90 minutes. Based on these findings and the literature, highly trained individuals or intermediary who wishes to implement static stretching should include an adequate warm-up and dynamic sport-specific activities with at least or more minutes of recovery before their sport activity.

L'intérêt de la présente recherche porte précisément sur la relation entre le stretching passif et la performance sportive en fonction de la durée de jeu. La procédure vise à inclure un stretching passif pendant la phase d'échauffement qui précède l'épreuve de sprint et de sauts chez des footballeurs Amateurs et à étudier l'effet de cette pratique sur les performances en fonction des durées de jeu (après 2min de repos, 15min de jeu, 30min de jeu et 45min de jeu). Deux protocoles d'échauffement différents: (a) avec stretching passif (SP) au point d'inconfort (POD); (B) sans stretching passif ont été mis en oeuvre avec un échauffement aérobie avant suivie par des activités dynamiques. Dans les conditions de contrôle les résultats ont montré des différences plus significatives p = ,,, que la condition SP≤ POD concernant toutes les variables. Les effets du stretching passif au cours des quatre phases de jeu avaient influencé variablement les performances des joueurs. Les performances ont été affectées au cours de la première fois (D1), récupération des capacités musculaires dans la deuxième (D2), une progression significative dans la troisième (D3) et stabilité avec une certaine perturbation dans la dernière (D4). Cet effet induits par le stretching passif peut être attribuée au niveau de préparation des participants ou la durée de repos utilisé après stretching passif et avant la performance, soit le stretching passif manifeste des effets négatifs au début puis son interaction avec la durée, le type et l'intensité de l'effort améliore les performances au fur et à mesure. Les participants étaient des athlètes de niveau régionales qui s'entrainaient 3-4 fois par semaine avec des séances de 90 minutes. Sur la base de ces observations et de la littérature, les athlètes de performance qui souhaitent mettre en oeuvre un stretching passif devrait inclure un échauffement adéquat et des activités dynamiques au sport spécifiques avec au moins 15 minutes ou plus de récupération avant leur épreuve sportive.

The article sums up the results of a psychometric study carried out on a sample of Romanian
students (N = 320; 182 females) in order to assess the psychometric qualities of Curiosity and Exploration
Inventory- II (CEI-II). The questionnaire measures curiosity by taking into consideration two of its
components: Stretching (the exploration of new experiences – 5 items) and Embracing (the will to
embrace new, unpredictable situations – 5 items). The instrument shows good internal consistency,
with coefficients between .66 and .79 (the total sample), between .67 and .81 (female subjects) and
between .62 and .75 (male subjects). The convergent validity is demonstrated by the fact that CEI-II
correlates with all the measures applied in the study for: subjective well-being (happiness, life satisfaction,
positive affect, self-esteem), psychological well-being, the seeking sensation, Big Five personality
characteristics, as well as exploration and achievement of the purpose. The Exploratory factorial
analysis highlighted a three-factor solution different from the factorial structure of original version.
After analyzing the models obtained in the Confirmatory factorial analysis, we considered that the
three-factor structure is the best fitting model. On the whole, the evidence indicates that CEI-II has
good psychometric properties.

279 ic balance, 1 which can have a negative effect upon sport, work performance and increase the incidence of injuries due to falls. The mechanical and neu-ral effects of SS can alter the sensorimotor system and its ability to activate musculature. 2-4 SS can reduce the excitatory drive from the Ia afferents as well as lead to changes to the gamma loop inducing a decreased resting discharge of the muscle spindles. 3 Hin-Myo-Hla et al. 5 reported that the decrease in gamma motoneuron activation and spindle sensitivity could result in alterations of muscle stiffness and dynamic stability. Mechanically, SS also acutely decreases musculotendinous passive tension, 6-8 and increases muscle tissue compliance. 3 Pre-exercise SS temporarily impairs force and power, 1 which can negatively impact the ability to react to sudden and substantial perturbations to balance. 9 Hence, while SS can enhance range of motion (ROM), there are a number of physiological consequences that can adversely affect balance. Despite the preponderance of stretching related research, 1 there is not a consensus on the effects of SS on balance. Greater volumes of static and dynamic stretching within a warm-up do not impair star excursion balance performance Based on the conflicting static stretching (SS) literature and lack of dynamic stretching (DS) literature regarding the effects of differing volumes of stretching on balance, the present study investigated the effects of 4, 8, and 12 sets of SS and DS following a 5 min aerobic running warm-up on the star excursion balance test (SEBT). The objective was to examine an optimal stretch modality and volume to enhance dynamic balance. A randomized, within-subjects experimental design with repeated measures for stretching (SS and DS) versus no-stretching treatment was used to examine the acute effects of 10 (4 sets), 20 (8 sets), and 30 (12 sets) min, of 15s repetitions per muscle of SS and/or DS following a 5 min aerobic warm-up on the performance of the SEBT. Results indicated that a warm-up employing either SS or DS of any volume generally improves SEBT by a " small " amount with effect sizes ranging from 0.06 to 0.50 (11 of 18 conditions >75% likely to exceed the 1.3-1.9% smallest worthwhile change). Secondly, the difference between static and dynamic warm-up on this observed improvement with warm-up improvement was " trivial " to " moderate " (d=0.04 to 0.57) and generally " unclear " (only two of nine conditions >75% likely to exceed the smallest worthwhile change). Finally, the effect of increasing the volume of warm-up on the observed improvement with a warm-up is " trivial " to " small " (d<0.40) and generally " unclear " (only three of 12 conditions >75% likely to exceed the smallest worthwhile change). In summary, an aerobic running warm-up with stretching that increases core and muscle temperature whether it involves SS or DS may be expected to provide small improvements in the SEBT.

Chatzopoulos D, Kapodistria L, Doganis G, Messaritakis V, Lykesas G. Effects of Varying Volumes of Dynamic Stretching on Active Range of Motion, Reaction Time, and Movement Time in Female Soccer Players. JEPonline 2019;22(5):147-156. The aim of this study was to examine the acute effects of varying volumes of dynamic stretching (DS) on active range of motion (ROM), reaction time (RT), and movement time (MT). Twenty-four female soccer players (age, 15.08 ± .88 yrs) participated in 4 randomly ordered experimental conditions: (a) control containing 5-min jog; (b) 5-min jog and 6 repetitions of DS (DS-6); (c) 5-min jog and 12 repetitions of DS (DS-12); and (d) 5-min jog and 18 repetitions of DS (DS-18). ROM, RT, and MT were measured following all conditions. Flexibility increased following all DS conditions compared to the control. Moreover, MT was significantly improved after DS-6 and DS-12 compared to the control values, but there were no significant differences between DS-18 and control. In relation to RT, there were no significant differences between the experimental conditions. These results suggest that a DS protocol of 6 repetitions results in similar increases in ROM compared to 12 and 18 repetitions. In addition, dynamic stretch volumes with more than 18 repetitions may impair MT. According to the results of the study, the optimal volume of DS to improve active ROM and MT seems to be between 6 to 12 repetitions.

Salat is the practice of formal prayer for Muslims. It involves with both spiritual and physical acts. This paper presents electromyography (EMG) output during the "takbeeratul-ihram (TI)", one of the postures in Salat and stretching exercise. Comparisons on EMG outputs between TI and stretching exercise are discussed. Ten healthy participants (five males and five females) were recruited for the investigation. The EMG signals were recorded from back scapula, upper trapezius, biceps brachii and pectoralis major muscles. The results showed that higher EMG signals in pectoralis major and biceps during performing the stretching posture. However, for TI posture, the EMG activities are higher in back scapula and upper trapezius muscles. © 2012 IEEE.

ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpls/abs_all.jsp?arnumber=6211603

Neck pain is a common problem in the general population. The source of pain may arise from many structure of the cervical spine, and can develop into chronic pain. Neck problems can adversely affect physical, psychological, and social function. Neck pain also leads to high costs in national healthcare systems. The prevalence of neck pain was reported to range from 22% to 30% of the population. It is considered one of the most common pain problems. The number of smart phone users has increased dramatically. Poor posture while looking at the visual display terminals of smart phones for extended periods causes musculoskeletal problems. Prolong smart phone use causes continued mechanical stress on the tendons, muscles, and surrounding tissues, and furthermore maintaining the same posture can also be cause musculoskeletal disorder. Stretching exercise is our treatment of interest because it can decrease muscle stiffness by elongating the elastic component of the musculo tendinous unit. It can also decrease pain and improve flexibility. Our interest is stretching exercise, owing to its effect in decreasing muscle stiffness and improving flexibility. In this Study, the effect of SCM St and the effect of SOM St were compared. The neck pain caused due to prolong usage of Smart phone will be applied with treatment of SCM St and SOM St. This study includes 30 samples from the age group between 23-34 the person having neck pain due to prolong usage of smartphones are divided into two groups Group A (SCM St), Group B (SOM St) treatment was given for 2 weeks and outcomes were measured by NPRS and NDI during pre and post treatment. Results shows that there is an significance decrease in the pain and improvement in flexibility after SCM St.

The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of four warm-up protocols on agility, strength, static and dynamic flexibility in primary school students. The participants were forty-four students of a primary school (19 boys and 25 girls) and the mean age of the children was 11.7±0.47. All of them executed, in four different days, one of the following protocols: (a) 3 minutes of jogging followed by 5 minutes of static stretching, (b) 3 minutes of jogging followed by 5 minutes of dynamic stretching, (c) 3 minutes of jogging followed by a 5-minute break (no stretching protocol), and (d) 8 minutes of Greek traditional dances. On the completion of the protocols, the participants did the following tests: the agility shuttle run test (4x10m), the standing long jump test, the sit & reach test, and the active straight leg raise test (dynamic flexibility). According to the results of the repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), the protocol of static stretching showed significantly better scores on static flexibility compared to the protocols of dance and no stretching. As for the long jump, dynamic stretching produced significantly better results compared to static stretching and no stretching. Concerning dynamic flexibility, there were no significant differences between the four warm-up protocols. As for agility, the dance protocol presented significantly better results compared to static stretching. Moreover, girls performed better on the sit & reach test compared to boys. In conclusion, the static-stretch protocol is suggested for lessons that require a maximal range of motion (flexibility). On the other hand, it seems that dynamic stretching is more suitable than the other protocols when the lesson requires lower extremity strength. Moreover, it seems that the dance protocol is suitable for lessons requiring agility. Therefore, teachers should implement different stretching protocols according to the content of the lesson.

The study compared the acute eff ects of three warm-up protocols on change-of-direction speed, reaction time, and movement time of upper extremities. Participants were 27 Greek high school students from an urban area (M age = 17.2 yr., SD = 0.2, range = 16.5-18.0). All participants performed the following warm-up protocols on three diff erent days: (a) 3 min. jogging followed by 5 min. static stretching, (b) 3 min. jogging followed by 5 min. dynamic stretching, and (c) 3 min. jogging followed by 5 min. of rest without stretching. At the end of each protocol , participants performed sprints of moderate to submaximal intensity. After the warm-up protocols, participants performed the following tests: "505-change-of-direction-speed," reaction time, and movement time (arm movements). There was no signifi cant eff ect of protocols on the performance tests. Pre-exercise stretching may not be required for performance improvement in activities involving change-of-direction speed, reaction, and movement time if the fi nal part of the warm-up involves sprinting. The advantage of a short duration warm-up is that it off ers students more time to play in physical education lessons. However, it is generally important for students to learn the benefi ts of stretching and how to stretch for lifelong fi tness.

Job’s reference to ‘the morning stars’ may, some commentators believe, refer to the stars visible on the morning of creation. Others interpret them as being a metaphor for angels. My adaptation of the Jobian image is poetic rather than theological. I envisioned a choir of stars singing praise to their maker – a Judaic take on the musica universalis or Harmony of the Spheres, if you will. What would they’ve sounded like? Biblical astronomy has no term corresponding to ‘planet’. There are only stars, Sun, Moon, and Earth. Venus and Saturn are referred to in the Old Testament, but as stars. Therefore, in answering my question using planets, I was not straining the biblical vision (or audition) too greatly. But this was an intent that arose only after the composition had been completed ...

The aim of present study was to investigate the acute effect of different warm-up protocols on elite athlete’s performance. Subject group of the study was consisted of twenty volunteer male students from Uludag University Sport Sciences Faculty who have been playing soccer at various leagues for at least seven years. Three different warm-up methods were applied to the subjects at 24 hours intervals. These were (1) stretching exercises protocol (SEP), plyometric exercises protocol (PEP) and suspension exercises protocol (SUEP). Subjects performed general warm up during 5 minutes and after then pre-tests were measured before each warm up protocol. After each warm up protocol, post-tests were measured. All subjects were tested on static balance, vertical jump, 30 m. sprint, reaction time and flexibility performances. All data were analyzed using Paired Sample T-tests using SPSS Statistics v.22 (Chicago, IL, USA), and significance was set at an alpha level of 0.05. As a result of analysis of test data, no significant difference was detected in the static balance test in the three protocols (p<0.05). When the vertical jump test (anaerobic power test) results were analyzed, whilst a statistically significant decrease was detected in SEP, no difference was detected in PEP and SUEP (p<0.05). When the reaction time test results were analyzed, no difference was detected in the three protocols (p<0.05). When the speed test results were analyzed, a statistically significant decrease in SEP and statistically significant increase in PEP and SUEP were detected (p<0.05). When the flexibility test results were analyzed, a statistically significant increase was detected in the three protocols (p<0.05). A statistically significant decrease in the values of anaerobic power and speed, significant improvement in flexibility was observed in GEP. A significant improvement was observed in the values of speed and flexibility in PEP and SEP. According to the results, in sports that require speed and jumping, whilst plyometric and suspension warm up exercises are thought to be beneficial, in sports that require flexibility, the inclusion of static stretching to these exercises is thought to be beneficial.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of static and dynamic stretching within a pre-exercise warm-up on vastus medialis muscle activity during instep kicking and ball velocity in soccer players. The kicking motions of dominant legs were captured from using six synchronized high-speed infra-red cameras at 200 Hz and Electromyography at 100 Hz. There was significant difference in vastus medialis activity after dynamic stretching relative to no stretching condition (0.12 ± 0.06 mV) versus static stretching relative to no stretching condition (-0.21 ± 0.10 mV) with p < 0.001). In addition, there was also a significant difference in ball velocity after dynamic stretching relative to no stretching condition (4.53 ± 2.10 m/s) versus static stretching relative to no stretching condition (-1.48 ± 2.43 m/s) with p < 0.003. We concluded that dynamic stretching during the warm-up, as compared to static stretching, is probably more effective as preparation for optimal muscle activity and finally have high ball velocity which is required in soccer.

http://www.degruyter.com/view/j/hukin.2010.24.issue--1/v10078-010-0017-2/v10078-010-0017-2.xml

This study examined the effects of baseline flexibility and vertical jump ability on straight leg raise range of motion (ROM) and counter-movement jump performance (CMJ) following different volumes of stretching and potentiating exercises. ROM and CMJ were measured after two different warm-up protocols involving static stretching and potentiating exercises. Three groups of elite athletes (10 male, 14 female artistic gymnasts and 10 female rhythmic gymnasts) varying greatly in ROM and CMJ, performed two warm-up routines. One warm-up included short (15 s) static stretching followed by 5 tuck jumps, while the other included long static stretching (30 s) followed by 3x5 tuck jumps. ROM and CMJ were measured before, during and for 12 min after the two warm-up routines. Three-way ANOVA showed large differences between the three groups in baseline ROM and CMJ performance. A type of warm-up x time interaction was found for both ROM (p = 0.031) and CMJ (p = 0.016). However, all athletes, irr...

Stretching is a good way everyone can use to release tight muscles and joints, relief pain, prevent injury and become more flexible for sports.

Reading this PDF will tell you more about stretching, how you can stretch, health benefits, and the secret Sumo wrestlers use to be flexible even with their 300-400 pounds weight

Adhesive capsulitis is a painful condition of unknown etiology with restriction of active and passive movements of the glenohumeral joint. The condition is a result of inflammation, adherence, and swelling in the lining of the shoulder joint capsule and its associated ligaments, causing resultant contracture of the capsule. We describe a patient with calcified and thickened coracohumeral ligament with adhesive cap-sulitis and diabetes mellitus.

Background- An observational study was conducted on 60 college going students experiencing nonspecific low back pain of mild to moderate range[ on VAS 2-5].  METHOD- Assessment of hamstring and IT band tightness was done by using 90-90 hamstring test and Ober’s test respectively. Participant were checked for tightness and marked whether tightness present or not RESULT- Analysis of outcomes was done by the mean and standard deviation. The result showed that, 58.33% male and 95.85% has female has hamstring muscle tightness.  16.66% Male and 22.91% female has of IT band tightness. 85% population [both male and female] shows of hamstring muscle tightness. While 85 % of male and females both shows hamstring muscle tightness. 21.66% populations [ both M and F] shows of IT band tightness. Conclusion- Study shows the prevalence of hamstring and IT band tightness is present in nonspecific low back pain.  In participant hamstring muscle tightness is more profound (85%) than IT band tightness ...

This study examined the effects of baseline flexibility and vertical jump ability on straight leg raise range of motion (ROM) and counter-movement jump performance (CMJ) following different volumes of stretching and potentiating exercises. ROM and CMJ were measured after two different warm-up protocols involving static stretching and potentiating exercises. Three groups of elite athletes (10 male, 14 female artistic gymnasts and 10 female rhythmic gymnasts) varying greatly in ROM and CMJ, performed two warm-up routines. One warm-up included short (15 s) static stretching followed by 5 tuck jumps, while the other included long static stretching (30 s) followed by 3x5 tuck jumps. ROM and CMJ were measured before, during and for 12 min after the two warm-up routines. Three-way ANOVA showed large differences between the three groups in baseline ROM and CMJ performance. A type of warm-up x time interaction was found for both ROM (p = 0.031) and CMJ (p = 0.016). However, all athletes, irr...

The composition is the second response to the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales’ event entitled ‘Explore your Archive: Memory Archive’ (November 22, 2017). In contrast to the initial release, ‘I. Nothing. Lack.’ (2018), ‘Nomine Numine’ is not an attempt to sonify the effects of dementia. However, it does deploy one of the salient characteristics associated with the illness – a slowing of speech. This is to the end of reflecting upon, soberly, and celebrating the themes of friendship and providence. The source material is derived from my own sound archive, called the Aural Diary.

‘Nomine Numine’ is a quartet of hymns for four voices. The title conjoins two Latin words: ‘Nomine’ (name) and ‘Numine’ (variously used within the context of the Christian Church to denote providence, the divine will, and the power of God). ‘Name’ refers to the forenames of the two vocalists on the album. Their designations are the feminine and masculine equivalent of each other. In effect, they share the same name. ‘Numine’ evokes a sense of the foreordination, timeliness, and spiritual care that characterised the manner in which those vocalists had found one another.