The Benefits of Stretching
October 27, 2021
Most of us think of stretching as something we’re supposed to do before exercising – something to prepare our heart for beating faster or to “wake up” our muscles. But stretching isn’t just something we tack on to our exercise program. It’s an important activity at any time.
Stretching the ligaments and joints improves flexibility and reduces the risk of injury and falls. When our ligaments are not stretched regularly, they shorten. But for many people, an appropriate stretching program can bring back flexibility they thought was lost.
And that’s only the beginning. An April 2018 study published by The Physiological Society shows that there’s much more benefit to be gained from stretching, especially for seniors with disabilities. A team of researchers from Florida State University, Kansas State University and the University of Electro-communications in Tokyo found that a program of stretching could increase blood flow to the muscles of the lower legs, even increasing the number of capillaries.
The researchers reported, “This suggests that for individuals with limited mobility, regular muscular stretching could improve blood flow to muscles. This has particularly important implications for elderly people with lower leg problems for whom walking is difficult due to pain or lack of mobility.”
They added, “Patients with peripheral artery disease and patients with foot or leg problems related to conditions such as diabetes might be able to use muscular stretching to improve blood flow to their lower limbs and increase or regain walking function.”
This is good news, because seniors with these types of mobility-limiting conditions often hesitate to take part in exercise, fearing it will be difficult or painful. Said Dr. Judy Muller-Delp of Florida State University College of Medicine, “Our research suggests that static muscle stretching performed regularly can have a real impact. Even individuals who struggle to walk due to pain or lack of mobility can undertake activity to possibly improve their health.” That means that even something as simple as stretching your arms or legs while seated can bring benefits.
There are stretches and exercise programs that are right for almost every older adult. Talk to your doctor about a plan that’s best for you.
Source: IlluminAge AgeWise reporting on a study from The Physiological Society (www.physoc.org)