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(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- We learned it in P.E.: stretch before you exercise or youll risk injury. New research reveals stretching does nothing for the soreness many people experiences after a strenuous workout.
Researchers compiled the results of 10 studies that examined what impact stretching before or after exercise had on muscle soreness or stiffness. Each of the trials included between 10 and 30 participants who stretched for periods of time ranging from 40 seconds to 10 minutes.
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By assessing stiffness after exercise, the researchers concluded the effect of stretching is extremely small. They estimated stretching reduced soreness by less than one point on a 100-point scale. The effect of stretching was the same if it was performed before or after exercise.
The data were remarkably consistent, lead researcher Robert Herbert from the School of Physiotherapy at the University of Sydney was quoted as saying. The available evidence suggests that stretching before or after exercise does not prevent muscle soreness in young healthy adults.
The study authors write more research is needed to determine what stretching can do for people who are not flexible.
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, which offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, click on: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
SOURCE: The Cochrane Library, published online Oct. 16, 2007
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