Stretching may help to lessen discomfort and pain of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, but it may result in other more debilitating injuries if measures are not in place to remediate their causes, according to a systematic review in the May issue of  the Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine.

This article reviewed the literature to clarify the physiological effects and benefits of, and misconceptions about, stretches used to reduce musculoskeletal disorders. Nine databases were reviewed to identify studies exploring the effectiveness of stretching to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Included studies were reviewed, and their methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale.

Seven studies evaluating the effectiveness of stretching to prevent musculoskeletal disorders in different occupations were identified and reviewed. Although the studies showed physiological benefits of stretches in reducing discomfort and pain and preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders, the findings were mixed.

Stretches may suppress awareness of risks, resulting in more debilitating injuries if other measures are not in place to remediate their causes. If inadequately performed, stretches also may cause or aggravate injuries. Careful analysis and stretching program design are required before implementing stretches.

The authors conclude that due to the relatively low methodological quality of the studies available in the literature, future studies are necessary for a definite response. Future studies should minimize threats to internal and external validity, have control groups, use appropriate follow-up periods, and present a more detailed description of the interventions and worker population.

[Source: APTA and PT Bulletin Online]