Background: Most non-pharmacological interventions for tension-type headache (TTH) focus on direct intervention in areas associated with headaches, with limited research exploring the indirect effects of interventions utilizing the fascia. Objectives: To investigate the effects of superficial back line (SBL) stretching and head-neck massage interventions on the range of motion (ROM) and neck disability index (NDI) of TTH. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: The study participants were randomly allocated into three groups: SBL stretching group (n=9), head-neck massage group (n=9), and combined group (n=9). Prior to the intervention, measurements were taken for neck flexion ROM, straight leg raising test (SLRT) ROM, and NDI. The intervention consisted of 30-minute sessions conducted twice a week for 8 weeks. The second measurement took place 4 weeks after the intervention, followed by a third measurement conducted after an additional 4 weeks of intervention. Results: Comparing neck flexion ROM within each group, a significant increase was observed in the SBL stretching group after 8 weeks compared to before the intervention (P<.05). Regarding the comparison of SLRT ROM within each group, a significant increase was noted after 8 weeks compared to before the intervention in the SBL stretching, head-neck massage, and combined groups (P<.05). In terms of the comparison of NDI within each group, a significant decrease was observed in all three group after the intervention compared to before the intervention (P<.05). Conclusion: 8-week intervention involving SBL stretching, head-neck massage, and their combined application demonstrated effectiveness in improving neck flexion ROM, SLRT ROM, and the NDI for individuals with TTH.

Background: Despite its high prevalence, interventions in plantar fasciitis remain inconclusive. To improve the daily life of plantar fasciitis patients, it is necessary to identify appropriate interventions to improve pain and foot pressure and balance. Improving the interventions for plantar fasciitis is one of the main goals for rehabilitation. Objectives: To investigate the changes in pain and static-dynamic foot pressure and balance through the evaluation of 42 plantar fasciitis patient before and after the foot stretching and joint mobilization interventions. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: The 42 subjects of the study were divided into a stretching group and a joint mobilization group with 21 subjects being assigned to each group. The results before and after the experiment were analyzed by applying stretching and joint movement interventions for a total of 6 weeks. Results: Before and after the intervention, there were significant improvements in the pain index and static-dynamic foot pressure and static balance in both stretching and joint mobilization groups. However, the between-group comparison indicated no significant differences. Conclusion: The stretching and the joint mobilization can improve the pain and static-dynamic foot pressure and static balance in plantar fasciitis patients.

Background: Posterior capsule tightness (PCT), commonly seen in overhead athletes, is a soft tissue adaptation that is also noted in non-throwers. PCT is associated with scapular and humeral kinematic alterations, significant restriction of shoulder internal rotation (IR) range of motion (ROM), and significant scapular anterior tilting. Sleeper and cross-body stretches (CBS) are suggested for PCT and IR deficits, and have been modified since introduction. A novel modified sleeper stretch (NMSS) was designed in this study to prevent the risk of anterior translation of the humeral head. Though the effects of posterior shoulder stretching exercise have been widely studies, to the best of our knowledge, no previous studies have investigated the effectiveness of posterior shoulder exercises in decreasing scapular anterior tilting. Objects: To compare the immediate effects of two posterior shoulder stretching exercises (NMSS and CBS) on scapular anterior tilting and shoulder IR ROM. Methods: Thirty-two subjects with anteriorly tilted scapula and IR deficits [mean age: 24.3 ± 2.5 years; 15 males and 17 females] participated in this study. Subjects were randomly assigned to either the NMSS or CBS groups. Scapular anterior tilting (at rest and at shoulder 60° active IR) and shoulder IR ROM were measured before and immediately after intervention. Results: Scapular anterior tilting significantly decreased, while the shoulder IR ROM significantly increased in both groups. However, there was no significant group-by-time interaction effect or significant difference between the groups. Conclusion: Both stretching exercises were effective in restoring shoulder IR ROM and decreasing scapular anterior tilting.

Background: Pectoralis minor tightness is associated with reduced glenohumeral internal rotation range of motion (ROM) and scapular anterior tilt alignment. However, the synergistic effects of the pectoralis minor stretching exercise and scapular posterior tilt strategy on glenohumeral internal rotation ROM and pectoralis minor length remain unexplored. Objectives: This study examined the effects of doorway stretching with scapular posterior tilt on pectoralis minor length, scapular alignment, and glenohumeral internal rotation ROM. Design: A case series study. Methods: Fifteen adults with pectoralis minor tightness performed doorway stretching with scapular posterior tilt. Pectoralis minor length, acromion–table distance, and glenohumeral internal rotation ROM were measured before and immediately after stretching. The pectoralis minor length was calculated using the pectoralis minor index. The measured variables were analyzed using a paired t-test. Results: While the pectoralis minor index and glenohumeral internal rotation ROM significantly increased, the acromion–table distance markedly decreased after doorway stretching with scapular posterior tilt (P<.05). Conclusion: Based on the present findings, doorway stretching with scapular posterior tilt could be an effective exercise for increasing glenohumeral internal rotation ROM and pectoralis minor length.

In order to conduct a study on the importance of the wrist joint, which causes a lot of pain among middle-aged people, in relation to work related to musculoskeletal disorders, the effect of stretching on grasping power was studied. In order to compare the grasping power of the wrist for middle-aged people in their 50s, the experiment was conducted by comparing before and after the wrist joint motion stretching. According to the experimental results of wrist gripping power for the control group and the experiment group on wrist gripping power, it was investigated that stretching did not change much in increasing wrist gripping power, but stretching application had an effect on wrist gripping power. In terms of preventing musculoskeletal accidents, reducing pain due to degenerative diseases, and preventing accidents, stretching seems to have an effect when approaching, so it is considered that continuous stretching before and after work is necessary. Therefore, it is suggested that stretching time secured quantitatively through safety and health education before work is necessary.

Background: Low back and neck pain are two of the most common medical problems in the adult population. It is estimated that between 70% and 80% adults experience an episode of low back pain at least once during their lifetime. Objects: This study aimed to compare the effects of various stretching exercises and muscle energy techniques used for treatment of iliopsoas, quadratus lumborum, and hamstrings of patients with low back pain. Methods: A total of 52 subjects were randomly assigned to the control group (n = 17), the muscle energy technology group (METG, n = 19), and the stretching exercise group (SEG, n = 16). Interventions were performed twice a week for 4 weeks. Outcomes were measured before and after 4 weeks of treatment in the three groups, using the Korean version of the Oswestry Disability Index, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Fear Avoidance Belief Questionnaire (FABQ), the Finger to Floor test (FTF), the Modified-Modified Schober Test (MMS), and the Trunk Flexion Range of Motion test. Results: This study showed significant reduction in the pre-test and post-test KODI, VAS, and FABQ scores in all the three groups (p < 0.05). The KODI, VAS, FABQ and FTF assessed in this study showed interactions between the groups and the measurement time point (p < 0.01). After intervention, the KODI, VAS, FABQ and FTF in the SEG and METG were significantly higher (p < 0.05), and there was no difference between the METG and SEG. MMS and HFROM test showed no difference between the three groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: KODI, VAS, FABQ and FTF showed significant improvement after basic physical therapy, muscle energy technique, and stretching exercise intervention. And there was no significant difference in the intervention effect between the muscle energy group and the stretching exercise group.

Background: Although rectus femoris (RF) eccentric training and static stretching (SS) have been reported effectively on lumbar flexibility, and muscle architecture, most studies are results using machines and long-term effects. Therefore, we want to investigate the effect of Reverse Nordic Hamstring Exercise (RNHE), a self-eccentric training, by immediately comparing it with SS. Objectives: To compare the RNHE and SS of RF to show the effects of lumbar flexibility, and fascicle length (FL). Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: A total of 30 study subjects were randomly allocated into an experimental group(Reverse Nordic Hamstring Exercise) and a control group(Static Stretching). Before and after the intervention, the subject performed fingertip to floor test (FFT) to evaluate the flexibility of the lumbar spine and measured FL through the SONON 300L (Healcerion Inc., Seoul, South Korea). Results: There was a significant effect on lumbar flexibility within both groups (P<.05), also there were clear results between the two groups (P<.05). FL showed a significant increase in RNHE (P<.05), but not in SS, and there was a no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: RNHE is effective in improving lumbar flexibility, and FL of RF muscle.

Background: Previous studies have been reported that when instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and the self-myofascial release technique were used on the muscles. However, studies that applied the IASTM and self-stretching to the gastrocnemius muscle are thought to be necessary but there is no such previous study. Objectives: To investigate the effects of IASTM and self-stretching on gastrocnemius muscle thickness and the range of motion of joint in dorsiflexion in healthy college student. Design: Quasi-experimental design (single blind). Methods: The subjects were healthy college students in their 20s with a healthy body. As for the experimental method in this study, comparison between before and after the experiment was performed to compare the effects of myofascial release using IASTM and stretching. The preliminary survey investigated the range of motion (ROM) of ankle joint of the subjects. The thicknesses of gastrocnemius muscles were measured using ultrasonography. One day after the preliminary survey, IASTM interventions and self-stretching interventions were randomly selected. If IASTM intervention is selected, the IASTM of the gastrocnemius muscle was applied for 5 minutes. After than, muscle thickness and the ankle dorsiflexion ROM were measured. Subjects were asked to take a break for about one day after performing the intervention. Self-stretching was applied to the gastrocnemius muscle for 5 minutes identically. After than, muscle thickness and the ankle dorsiflexion ROM were measured. Results: The thickness of the gastrocnemius muscle decreased significantly IASTM intervention, and the ankle dorsiflexion ROM increased significantly IASTM intervention. Ankle dorsiflexion ROM increased significantly the selfstretching intervention. The amounts of change in ankle dorsiflexion ROM through the IASTM was significantly greater than that through self-stretching. Conclusion: In order to immediately increase muscle flexibility in a short time, the IASTM is more effective although the self-stretching method is also effective.

Background: Patients with stroke may show impaired balance due to the limited range of motion of the ankle resulting from abnormal soft tissues surrounding the ankle joint. Changes in the viscoelasticity of soft tissues and decreased mobility of the ankle impair the balance and lead to problems in the daily life of patients with stroke. Joint mobilization and stretching are effective methods of improving balance by increasing the viscoelasticity of soft tissues and range of motion of the ankle. Objectives: To effects of ankle joint mobilization and calf muscle stretching on balance in patients with stroke. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: A total of 20 patients with stroke were randomly assigned into two groups. The joint mobilization group (JMG) underwent anteroposterior joint mobilization of the talocrural joint, while the stretching group (SG) received calf muscle stretching. Functional reach test (FRT), berg balance scale (BBS), and timed up and go test (TUG) were used to assess balance. Results: The FRT, BBS, and TUG results significantly improved in the JMG and SG after invention (P<.05). However, the improvements were greater in the JMG group than those in the SG group (P<.05). Conclusion: Joint mobilization was an effective intervention to improve soft tissue performance and range of motion of the ankle, thereby improving balance in patients with stroke.

Background: Although it has been reported that both self-myofascial release (SMR) with foam rolling (FR) and active static hamstring stretching (e.g., jackknife stretching) are effective in improving hamstring flexibility, no study has compared the effects of these exercises. Objectives: To compare the effects of SMR with FR and jack-knife stretching on hamstring flexibility. Design: A Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Subjects with hamstring tightness were divided into the SMR with the FR group (n=12) and the jack-knife stretching group (n=12). Subjects groups performed SMR with FR or jack-knife stretching according to group assignment. To identify changes in hamstring flexibility, the finger-to-floor distance (FFD) test, active knee extension (AKE) test, and passive straight leg raising (PSLR) test were performed at pre- and post-exercise. Results: Significant increases occurred in knee extension angle during the AKE test and hip flexion angle during the PSLR test after exercise in both groups (P<.001). Additionally, FFD and anterior pelvic tilt during the FFD test significantly increased (P<.001); however, we observed no significant interaction and main effects for the groups (P>.05). Conclusion: Both SMR with FR and jack-knife stretching are effective in improving hamstring flexibility in subjects with hamstring tightness.

Background: Patients with stroke have limited ankle range of motion (ROM) due to soft tissue abnormalities around the ankle and thus experience functional impairment. Increased muscle tension and reduced ankle ROM impair gait and hinder the activities of daily living. Joint mobilization and stretching are effective interventions that improve gait performance by enhancing the ankle ROM. Objectives: To investigate the effects of ankle joint mobilization and calf muscle stretching on gait speed and gait performance in patients with stroke. Design: This was a randomized controlled trial. Methods: Twenty patients with stroke patients were randomized into two groups. The joint mobilization group (JMG) underwent anteroposterior mobilization of the talocrural joint and the joint mobilization stretching group (JMSG) underwent calf muscle stretching in addition to joint mobilization. Gait speed and gait parameters were measured using the 10-meter walk test and the GAITRite. Results: Both the JMG and JMSG groups showed significant improvements in gait speed, affected-side step length, and cadence after the intervention (P<.05). Conclusion: Joint mobilization and stretching were effective interventions for improving gait performance by enhancing ankle function in patients with stroke.

본 연구는 원통형 종이포트를 활용한 토마토 육묘시, 염스트레스를 활용하여 고온기 도장 억제가능성을 검토하기 위하여 수행되었다. 시험구는 K2SO4, KCl과 KH2PO4을 각 5, 10 dS·m-1로 처리하였고, 또한, 토마토 모종에 고염도의 칼륨을 처리하여 수분 및 저온스트레스 환경에서의 적응성 및 생존성을 조사하였다. 조사결과, 처리 농도가 높아질수록 지상·지하부 건물중, 옆면적, 순동화율 (NAR)이 감소하고, 경경과 충실도는 증가하였다. 수분 스트레스 처리 이후, 대조구는 심한 위조현상을 보였지만, KCl처리구는 양호하였다. 상대수분함량은 대조구에서 23%, KCl처리구에서 8% 감소 하였다. 또한, 대조구에 비하여 KCl 처리구는 저장시(9, 12 및 15°C) 모종의 손상 비율이 낮았다. 이와 같은 결과로 보아, KCl과 같은 고농도의 칼륨 처리가 원통형 종이포트 토마토 육묘의 도장 억제에 효과적이며 환경 스트레스 내성을 향상시키는 것으로 판단된다.

Background: Static hamstring stretching exercises have been widely used to improve flexibility of the hamstring muscles. However, few studies have examined the influence of standing static hamstring stretching (e.g., jack-knife stretching) on movements of the lumbopelvic–hip complex. Objectives: To examine the short-term effects of jack-knife stretching on movements of the lumbopelvic–hip complex. Design: Case series. Methods: Fourteen participants with hamstring tightness (8 male, 6 female) were recruited. Participants performed jack-knife stretching for 150 s. Before and after stretching, participants performed the finger-to-floor distance (FFD), sit and reach (SRT), active knee extension (AKE), passive straight leg raising (PSLA), and active straight leg raising (ASLR) tests as well as pelvic tilt while standing to identify the effects of stretching. Results: There were significant improvements in the FFD, SRT, AKE, PSLA, and ASLR tests after stretching. However, pelvic tilt angle while standing did not significantly change. Conclusion: Jack-knife stretching can be a useful exercise to improve flexibility of the hamstring muscles, but not pelvic alignment while standing.

Background: Posterior shoulder tightness, which is a problem mainly seen in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome, disrupts the scapulohumeral rhythm between the humerus and scapulae. Objects: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of joint mobilization and stretching on shoulder muscle activity and internal rotation range of motion (ROM) of the glenohumeral joint in patients with impingement syndrome with posterior shoulder tightness. Methods: The research subjects included 22 in-patients with impingement syndrome with posterior shoulder tightness. They were randomly divided into two groups: one group (12 patients) was treated with joint mobilization and the other group (10 patients) was treated with stretching for the posterior shoulder tightness. Each treatment was performed five times a week for two weeks, and there were 15 sessions for each treatment. The ROM of the internal rotation and muscle activities of shoulder joint were evaluated pretest and posttest in each group. Electromyography data were collected from the upper, middle, and lower trapezius and serratus anterior during shoulder abduction of 90°, 120°, and 150°. Results: Both the joint mobilization and stretching groups showed significant decreases in muscle activity in the upper, middle, and lower trapezius on the posttest (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference in serratus anterior at 150° (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between group in post-hoc analysis (p > 0.025). The internal rotation ROM was significantly increased in the stretching group compared to that in the joint mobilization group (p < 0.025). Conclusion: This study found that both joint mobilization and stretching for posterior shoulder tightness were effective in muscle activity during arm abduction, also in order to increase internal rotation ROM of shoulder joint, stretching was effective in patients with impingement syndrome with posterior tightness.

Background: To prevent or reduce the risk of strain injury, various approaches, including stretching techniques are currently being used. The effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and static stretching on flexibility has been demonstrated; however, it is not clear which one is superior. Objects: This study aimed to evaluate the differences between the effects of PNF and static stretching performed at various intensities on muscle flexibility. Methods: The maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the hamstrings using the PNF stretching technique was performed in the P100 group, while 70% of the MVIC was performed in the P70 group. The MVIC value obtained during the PNF stretching in both groups was used as a reference for setting the intensity of static stretching. Static stretching was performed at 130% (S130), 100% (S100), and 70% of the MVIC (S70). The active knee extension (AKE) values, defined as the knee flexion angle were measured before stretching (baseline), immediately after stretching (post), and at 3 minutes, 6 minutes, and 15 minutes. Results: PNF stretching produce a greater improvement in flexibility compared with static stretching. Specifically, the ΔAKE was significantly higher in the S100 and S70 groups than in the P100 group at Post. In the comparison of ΔAKE over time in each group, the ΔAKE at Post showed a significant decrease compared to the value at Baseline in the S130 group; however, no significant difference was observed at 6 minutes while a significant increase was noted at 15 minutes. Conclusion: This study found that PNF stretching is more effective than static stretching with respect to increasing and maintaining the flexibility of muscles. In addition, the increase in flexibility at maximal intensity was similar to that observed at submaximal intensity during both PNF and static stretching.

Background: Both the rapid concentric and eccentric contractions during exercise repeatedly impose excessive stress on muscle tissue. The hamstring muscles are very susceptible to injury due to the tensile stress. Various interventions are currently being undertaken to prevent strain injury before exercise. Stretching is the most common method and is known to have a positive effect on flexibility and muscle performance. However, relatively few studies have investigated the potential negative factors of stretching. Objects: The purpose of this study was to examine changes in pain following the different intensity of the stretching and types of physical stress. Methods: The subjects were divided into three groups based on the intensity of stretching: 100% (S100), 75% (S75), and 50% (S50) of the measured force at the point of discomfort in static stretching and 100% (P100), 75% (P75), and 50% (P50) of the maximum voluntary isometric contraction in Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching. The pain individual subjects perceived after stretching was measured via a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and compared between the groups Results: Despite the decrease in the intensity of static stretching, no decrease in VAS value was observed. In PNF stretching, a significant decrease was observed at P50 compared to P100. S100 was significantly higher than P75 and P50. Conclusion: Previous studies have shown that PNF has a superior or the same effect on flexibility in comparison with static stretching. This effect was maintained even in moderate intensity. PNF stretching performed under moderate rather than high intensive static stretching, which causes pain and discomfort, might be recommended in clinical settings.

Commercial ultra-high-strength PAN-based carbon fibers (T1000G) were heat-treated at the temperature range of 2300– 2600 °C under a constant stretching of 600 cN. After continuous high-temperature graphitization treatment, microstructures, mechanical properties and thermal stability of the carbon fibers were investigated. The results show that the T1000G carbon fibers present the similar round shape with a smooth surface before and after graphitization, indicating the carbon fibers are fabricated by dry–wet spinning. In comparison, the commercial high-strength and high-modulus PAN-based carbon fibers (M40JB and M55JB) present elliptical shapes with ridges and grooves on the surface, indicating the carbon fibers are fabricated by wet spinning. After graphitization treatment from 2300 to 2600 °C under a constant stretching of 600 cN, the Young’s modulus of the T1000G carbon fibers increases from about 436 to 484 GPa, and their tensile strength decreases from about 5.26 to 4.45 GPa. The increase in Young’s modulus of the graphitized T1000G carbon fibers is attributed to the increase in the crystallite sizes and the preferred orientation of graphite crystallites along the fiber longitudinal direction under a constant stretching condition. In comparison with the M40JB and the M55JB carbon fibers, the graphitized T1000G carbon fibers are easier to be oxidized, which can be contributed to the formation of more micropores and defects during the graphitization process, thus leading to the decrease in the tensile strength.

Background: Lumbar lordosis is a result of muscle shortening and may cause low back pain. Objective: To examine the effects of static and dynamic stretching on lumbar lordosis and low back pain in university students. Stretching is an intervention that can be applied to shortened muscles; however, very few studies have compared the effects of static and dynamic stretching on lumbar lordosis and low back pain. Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial (single-blind) Methods: The 12 selected subjects were randomly assigned static stretching and dynamic stretching groups each containing six students. The subjects in each group performed their respective stretching programs for 17 minutes, 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Lumbar lordotic angle, low back pain, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were measured before and after the intervention. Results: Intragroup comparisons showed significant reductions in lumbar lordotic angle and low back pain in the static stretching group while the dynamic stretching group showed significant decreases in lumbar lordotic angle, low back pain, and ODI. The intergroup comparisons showed significantly greater differences between pre- and post-intervention in lumbar lordotic angle and low back pain in the dynamic stretching group compared to those in the static stretching group while ODI did not show any intergroup difference. Conclusions: The results of this study indicated that, while both static and dynamic stretching helped to reduce the lumbar lordotic angle and low back pain, dynamic stretching was more effective in alleviating lumbar lordotic angle and low back pain compared to static stretching.